While the rules around Covid and precautions have relaxed, the virus sadly hasn't vanished entirely and is still circulating – and there’s plenty of talk about a so-called new strain, dubbed ‘American Covid’. So what actually it, is it really new and what symptoms should you look out for?

What is American Covid?

Covid is the illness caused by the coronavirus, which can change over time and produce different versions known as variants. XFG is the scientific name for one of these variants, but it has also informally been called Stratus, which has been circulating globally for over a year now.

Some are now calling this recent rise in cases ‘American Covid’ because an increase was first detected in the US.

UKHSA data shows that Covid-positive test rates in the UK rose to around 7% in September, while hospital admission rates increased by approximately 50% over the same period. However, the government agency says there is currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe illness than other variants in circulation. It says admissions have risen alongside overall Covid activity, something which is not uncommon in the colder, winter months.

What are the symptoms of American Covid?

For most people, XFG causes a mild illness similar to a bad cold, explains Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy. But Covid can still be serious for older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Some people with XFG have reported a particularly painful sore throat, alongside more familiar respiratory symptoms.

“It’s normal to see Covid rise at this time of year, as colder weather brings more of us indoors with the windows shut,” Dr Grant says. “The good news is that the same everyday habits that protect us from colds and flu also help reduce the spread of Covid.”

He advises staying at home if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out your usual activities. If you have to go out while you have symptoms, wear a well-fitting face covering, avoid crowded places and keep your distance from people who may be more vulnerable. Regular handwashing and opening windows to let fresh air in can also help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

There has also been new concerns reported about eye-related symptoms, including weeping eyes, however eye symptoms have been reported in people with Covid since the early stages of the pandemic. In fact, one 2021 review of 38 studies found that around 11% of patients had some kind of eye symptom; tearing was reported in 12.8% of the patients in the studies that recorded specific symptoms. The research was about Covid generally, however, and did not examine XFG specifically.

Watery eyes can have other causes, too. If your eyes become red, sticky or irritated, that could be conjunctivitis – inflammation of the thin layer covering the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by an infection or an allergy, so weeping eyes alone can’t tell you whether you have Covid.

Other Covid symptoms that Dr Grant says to be aware of include a sore throat, cough, blocked or runny nose, fatigue, fever, aches, headache and changes to taste or smell.

Most people can manage symptoms at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.

Dr Grant advises contacting NHS 111 or your GP if symptoms worsen or you’re worried, and calling 999 if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing, and reminds that people eligible for the NHS autumn Covid vaccine are encouraged to take up the offer.

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.