The NHS has recently issued official guidance urging people to take precautions like self-isolation, following an increase in cases of XFG Covid variants, also known as 'American covid'.
This variant had recently led to increased hospital admissions in the NHS. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a blog that the name reflects where the strain was first sequenced and detected, rather than necessarily where it originated.
The UKHSA said, "If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible."
UKHSA monthly figures show that the number of cases in September was 4,589, as against 1,374 in August - a 230% increase.
The report also revealed that the total number of hospital admissions for Covid in September was 4,939, which is a 420% increase when compared with 950 in August.
Regarding the test positivity rate, it has increased from 5.9% to 7%, according to the latest figures in September. More than half of the positive cases were linked to the variant of XFG.
There is fear as the actual number could be even higher because there might be people suffering from mild symptoms.
However, the cases are still far below their peak in January 2021, when there were more than 20,000 people in hospital, according to UKHSA.
The recent spike comes as health officials urge people to get their flu and Covid jabs ahead of the winter months when cases typically rise.
What are the symptoms?
Those suffering from XFG strain feel very exhausted and it affects the upper airway. Other symptoms remain the same as the Omicron family waves. It can cause a sore throat, cough, fever, and hoarseness.
But in most cases, those who show symptoms do not need to take a lateral flow test, the NHS said.
Those who think they have Covid should avoid contact with other people for five days, or three days for those under 18, according to the NHS.
The NHS also says that people who test positive should avoid meeting people with weakened immune systems for a minimum of 10 days.
