Summary
A BBC doctor has issued advice about a Covid variant – dubbed “American Covid” – after show hosts raised concerns about reports, asking whether the public should be concerned. The variant in question is XFG – also known as Stratus – which was first detected in January 2025. It picked up the nickname after spreading quickly across the United States last year.
Details
Speaking on BBC Morning Live, he said Covid now is not the same as it was at the height of the pandemic. This is mainly because widespread vaccination and immunity from previous infections have changed the way we approach the situation. He added there is no reason for alarm, noting UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said the current picture is nothing like the situation seen during lockdown.
In an update on October 8, the UKHSA , said this strain is “not new and has been circulating in the UK and other countries for around a year.” The nickname “reflects where the strain was first sequenced and detected, rather than necessarily where it originated.” Presenter Helen Skelton said people often seem to feel worse during the winter and asked: “What is going on?”.
She then questioned whether people should be concerned about so-called “American” Covid. Dr Xand said “Covid was so traumatic for so many people”. Whether there was an effect on your work, health, mental health or a loved one, people are naturally worried about it happening again.
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He explained: “The UK Health Security Agency has emphasised that this is not a return to the pandemic. There’s no resurgence of super strain. “We do know the different strains of Covid have different virulence, meaning they can be more severe.
But the main thing is, Covid does not spread the way it did because we have hybrid immunity. “We’ve got some immunity from infections and we’ve got the vaccinations. Overall, it does seem the current virus has caused us less problems.” There is no reason to panic, the doctor concluded, adding: “Don’t stress.
But if you’re feeling poorly, stay at home, try not to fight the people around you.” The health agency said the “current rise” is likely being driven by a combination of factors. As winter approaches, more people spend time indoors. This creates conditions that make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread.
It’s also been about a year since the “last significant COVID-19 wave”, so protection from vaccines and previous infections may be waning for some people, potentially leaving more of them vulnerable. The UKHSA says: “UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that COVID-19 positive test rates rose to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates increasing by approximately 50% over the same period.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live
