Overview
- UKHSA data show weekly cases in England rose 22% in mid‑September, while hospital admissions increased to 2.73 per 100,000.
- Nearly nine in ten recent cases involve XFG (Stratus) or NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), with XFG and its offshoots accounting for about 77% in the latest breakdown.
- Clinicians report a hoarse or raspy voice and a severe, "razor blade" sore throat as notable symptoms linked to the current wave.
- Public guidance urges people with respiratory symptoms to stay home when possible, avoid vulnerable contacts, wear well‑fitting masks if they must go out, and follow hygiene measures.
- Those eligible for NHS jabs—such as people aged 75 and over and some who are immunocompromised—are encouraged to get vaccinated, as WHO lists XFG as a low‑risk variant under monitoring.