Overview

• UK surveillance for September 29 to October 5 shows the XFG lineage, known as Stratus, is now the leading strain in England.
• UKHSA says recent infections are more likely to present with a hoarse voice or a particularly painful sore throat.
• Hospital coronavirus admissions are rising across England, according to the latest updates cited in news reports.
• This season’s COVID booster is offered to people aged 75 and over, those aged six months to 74 with weakened immune systems, and residents of older adult care homes.
• WHO assesses the global public health risk from XFG as low, while rhinovirus is widespread and early flu activity has been noted alongside COVID.