Overview

• UKHSA data show XFG (Stratus) accounts for roughly 63% of sequenced cases and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) about 25% in the past month.
• National indicators have risen, with test positivity up from 7.6% to 8.4% and hospital admissions increasing from 2.0 to 2.73 per 100,000.
• WHO has designated XFG a variant under monitoring and currently assesses its global public‑health risk as low.
• Clinicians report repeatable symptoms linked to these lineages, notably a hoarse or raspy voice and a severe “razor blade” sore throat.
• NHS and public‑health experts urge eligible people to get autumn Covid and flu vaccinations, isolate if infected, and use masks in crowded indoor settings.