A new wave of Covid-19 is spreading across the UK. Hospital admissions have risen by 50 percent in a single week. The variant behind this surge is called XFG. Many people have nicknamed it 'American Covid'. It was first detected in Southeast Asia early last year. Since then, it has spread widely through both the US and UK.
The situation is particularly serious in London. Hospital admissions there have jumped by nearly 80 percent. Positive Covid tests among hospital patients rose from 5.9 to 7 percent. These figures come from the UK Health Security Agency. However, experts say the overall risk remains at a baseline level.
Doctors report that symptoms of this variant resemble the flu. Common signs include sore throats, headaches, runny noses, and fatigue. For most people, the illness is expected to be mild. However, some individuals can feel significantly ill from the infection. Experts say the body's response varies depending on each person's immune system.
The UK's autumn Covid booster campaign started on October 1st. Health officials are encouraging vulnerable groups to get vaccinated. If people invested more in protecting their health, fewer would end up in hospital. Experts believe that vaccination still offers the best protection against severe illness. Staying cautious during the colder months is strongly recommended.
