New Covid Variant XFG Explained: Symptoms, Spread & Safety Tips You Need To Know
Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. Though India's Covid response offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies
As India navigates a post-Covid world, a new Omicron subvariant, XFG ('Stratus"), is raising concerns with its rapid spread and immune-evasive traits. First detected in Canada, XFG has reached 38 countries, including India, where it accounts for a growing share of cases.
With India's active Covid-19 cases at 7,000 as of June 2025, per the Union Health Ministry, let's examine XFG's characteristics, India-specific data, and how the nation can prepare for this and future pandemics, drawing lessons from long Covid.
What Is The XFG Variant?
XFG, a recombinant subvariant of Omicron, emerges from the fusion of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 strains, formed when two variants infect a person simultaneously, mixing genetic material.
A Lancet study highlights four key spike protein mutations—His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile—enabling 'strong immune evasion," allowing XFG to bypass antibodies from prior infections or vaccines.
Globally, XFG accounts for 22.7% of sequenced cases as of June 2025, up from 7.4% a month earlier, per GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data), and may soon dominate over NB.1.8.1 ('Nimbus"), per The Conversation. In India, it's the dominant strain in Madhya Pradesh, with 63.6% of sequenced samples, per AIIMS Bhopal.
Symptoms mirror Omicron's, that is, fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, XFG uniquely causes hoarseness—a scratchy or raspy voice—reported by doctors as a key marker, per Everyday Health.
Unlike JN.1, which caused low-grade fever and digestive issues, XFG's symptoms are mild to moderate, with no evidence of increased severity or hospitalisation rates, per WHO. Current vaccines, targeting JN.1, remain effective against severe disease, and antivirals like Paxlovid and remdesivir work, per Time.
How Many XFG Cases Have India Reported?
India has reported 206 XFG cases as of June 11, per INSACOG, with Maharashtra leading at 89 cases, followed by West Bengal (49), Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (6 each), Odisha (4), Puducherry (3), Delhi, Rajasthan, and Punjab (2 each), and Telangana and Haryana (1 each), per The Hindu.
Of these, 159 cases were detected in May, with two each in April and June, indicating a rapid rise. India's active Covid-19 cases reached 7,000 by June 11, with Kerala reporting the highest active cases (2,200), followed by Gujarat (1,223) and Delhi (757).
A 2024 ICMR survey notes 66% of respiratory viral infections in India are Covid-related, but hospitalisations remain low, News18 reported. AIIMS Bhopal's genomic analysis of 44 samples from May-June found XFG dominant in 28 (63.6%), with no NB.1.8.1 detected in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting regional variation. Dr Rajiv Behl, ICMR Director General, stresses XFG's low severity but urges vigilance for vulnerable groups—those over 70 or with comorbidities.
Why XFG Matters To India
India's 1.4 billion population and $3 trillion economy face significant risks from new variants. Long Covid, affecting 7% of India's 44 million Covid cases (3 million people), costs 1% of GDP annually, per a 2024 NITI Aayog estimate, with 40% reporting fatigue and 25% brain fog.
XFG's immune evasion could exacerbate this. Rural areas, with only 10% of health centres offering post-Covid care, face worse outcomes, per The Indian Express. A 2024 Times of India poll shows only 25% of Indians know about long Covid, limiting XFG awareness.
Vaccine hesitancy, at 30% in rural India, and low Omicron-specific booster uptake (18%) weaken defences, per ICMR 2024. With 74 Covid deaths in 2025, mostly among the elderly and immunocompromised, XFG's spread threatens vulnerable groups.
How India Should Prepare
India's Covid response—2.2 billion vaccine doses by 2025—offers a foundation, but XFG demands targeted strategies:
Enhanced Genomic Surveillance: INSACOG's 54 labs must expand sequencing, as only 0.1% of cases are sequenced, per The Hindu. AIIMS Bhopal's model, detecting XFG in 63.6% of samples, shows the value of regional labs. Scaling Truenat and RT-PCR testing to 80% of health centers, especially rural ones, could detect variants early, per Dr Balram Bhargava, a renowned cardiologist and public health leader.
Vaccination & Boosters: Only 18% of Indians have Omicron-specific boosters. A 2025 campaign targeting 50% booster coverage, especially for those over 70, could cut severe cases by 30%, per WHO. Mobile vaccination units, successful in 2021, should reach rural areas.
Hospital Preparedness: Only 50% of health centres have ventilators, and 30% lack oxygen, per a 2024 MoHFW report. The Centre's 2025 mock drills must ensure 75% of 1.5 lakh centers have isolation beds and antivirals, costing Rs 5,000 crore. Telemedicine, used by 15% of urban Indians, can expand to rural areas.
Masking and Ventilation: XFG's spread in crowded spaces, like Mumbai's trains, requires masks and improved ventilation. A 2023 Singapore study cut transmission by 20% with air purifiers. India's public buildings need similar upgrades.
Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
covid symptoms Long COVID omicron
view comments
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
43 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Oprah Winfrey gets real about body image struggles following weight loss: ‘I blamed and shamed myself'
Oprah Winfrey has long faced public scrutiny over her body. In a 2023 interview with People, she said, 'It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years. I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself.' Oprah Winfrey decided to lose weight after moderating a panel on weight and obesity(AFP) After undergoing knee surgery in 2021, Winfrey says she found a new relationship with her body. What started with physical therapy turned into daily hikes. 'I could eventually hike three to five miles every day. I felt stronger, more fit, and more alive than I'd felt in years,' she told People. Also read: Oprah Winfrey says taking weight loss drugs has changed her opinion of 'thin people' Winfrey opens up about role of medication in losing weight Winfrey confirmed she now uses a doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medication. She did not name the drug but said it helped her stop blaming herself for her weight struggles. 'I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control. I now use it as I feel I need it – as a tool to avoid yo-yoing,' she said. The star decided to moderate a panel on weight and obesity for Oprah Daily. 'My highest weight was 237 pounds,' she said. Still, she insists medication alone isn't enough. 'It's not one thing, it's everything. I know that if I'm not also working out and being vigilant, it doesn't work for me,' Winfrey told People. Also read: Expert says on Oprah Winfrey's show 'never sleep with your phone, keep it in bathroom'. Explains why it causes anxiety Winfrey talks about the shame and stigma around body weight The talk show host shared that she felt judged in stores and on red carpets when she weighed more. 'Let me show you the gloves. Would you like to look at the handbags? There is a condescension. There is stigma,' she recalled. Winfrey also revealed she was once told to lose weight during a TV appearance in the 1980s. 'I just sat there smiling breezily, wanting nothing more than to crawl under my chair,' she said in her 2017 cookbook Food, Health, and Happiness. She no longer has a specific number in mind. 'I don't have a goal in mind, I'll know what it is when I get there,' Winfrey said in a 2020 WeightWatchers Q&A. She added that she still uses their point system and stops eating by 4 p.m. FAQs How did Oprah Winfrey finally lose weight? She combined regular exercise, a balanced diet using WeightWatchers principles, and a doctor-prescribed weight-loss medication. What weight loss surgery did Oprah have? Oprah didn't have weight-loss surgery; she underwent knee surgery in 2021, which helped her return to daily physical activity. How long did it take Oprah to lose 67 pounds? While she hasn't confirmed losing exactly 67 pounds, she has shared her progress gradually over several years, including a 26-pound loss with WeightWatchers.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
ICMR says Indians taking too much salt, launches study to address issue
Excessive salt consumption is fuelling a silent epidemic in India with people at increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, according to scientists from ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology. The scientists have initiated a community-led salt reduction study to address the issue and are focusing on low sodium salt substitutes. Higher levels of salt consumption than recommended While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day, studies show that urban Indians consume around 9.2 grams/day, and even in rural areas it is around 5.6 grams/day - both higher than recommended. One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes -- blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts, Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study, said. "Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension," Dr Murali stated. "Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average'a small change with a big impact," Dr Murali said. Salt consumption reduction projects To tackle the issue of high salt consumption, the NIE has launched a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension, senior scientist at NIE, Dr Ganesh Kumar, who is also a part of the study, said.. "We are currently in the first year of the project, focused on baseline assessments and field preparations," Dr Kumar said. "Counselling materials are not yet finalised; rather, we aim to co-create the intervention package with the community health workers, drawing on their experiences and incorporating their suggestions. It's not just about delivering health education - it's about listening, understanding, and building together," Dr Murali said. To ensure interventions are grounded in reality, the NIE conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS). They found that LSS was available in only 28 per cent of retail outlets. It was seen in 52 per cent of supermarkets, but a dismal 4 per cent in small grocery shops. The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7 per 100g). These findings highlight a critical supply-demand disconnect, Dr Murali said. "The lower demand for low sodium salt might be leading to its lower availability - it's a proxy indicator of awareness and access," noted Dr. Murali. To spark a public conversation around salt reduction, the NIE has also recently launched the #PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn through ICMR-NIE. Using infographics, facts, and simple messages, the campaign aims to raise awareness about hidden salt sources, promote low-sodium alternatives, and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices. "If successful, this project could lead to the integration of sustainable dietary counselling models into the existing public health system. It can bridge the gap between knowledge and action, improve health literacy, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases. "This is not just about reducing salt. It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts. Together, one pinch at a time, we can create lasting change," Dr Murali added.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
ICMR says Indians taking too much salt, launches study to address issue
New Delhi: Excessive salt consumption is fuelling a silent epidemic in India with people at increased risk of hypertension , stroke, heart disease , and kidney disorders, according to scientists from ICMR 's National Institute of Epidemiology . The scientists have initiated a community-led salt reduction study to address the issue and are focusing on low sodium salt substitutes . While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day, studies show that urban Indians consume around 9.2 grams/day, and even in rural areas it is around 5.6 grams/day - both higher than recommended. One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes -- blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts, Dr Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study, said. "Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension," Dr Murali stated. "Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average' a small change with a big impact," Dr Murali said. To tackle the issue of high salt consumption, the NIE has launched a three-year intervention project in Punjab and Telangana, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of structured salt reduction counselling, delivered by health workers at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), in reducing blood pressure and sodium intake among individuals with hypertension, senior scientist at NIE, Dr Ganesh Kumar, who is also a part of the study, said.. "We are currently in the first year of the project, focused on baseline assessments and field preparations," Dr Kumar said. "Counselling materials are not yet finalised; rather, we aim to co-create the intervention package with the community health workers, drawing on their experiences and incorporating their suggestions. It's not just about delivering health education - it's about listening, understanding, and building together," Dr Murali said. To ensure interventions are grounded in reality, the NIE conducted a market survey across 300 retail outlets in Chennai to assess the availability and pricing of low-sodium salt (LSS). They found that LSS was available in only 28 per cent of retail outlets. It was seen in 52 per cent of supermarkets, but a dismal 4 per cent in small grocery shops. The price of LSS averaged Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than twice the price of normal iodised salt (Rs 2.7 per 100g). These findings highlight a critical supply-demand disconnect, Dr Murali said. "The lower demand for low sodium salt might be leading to its lower availability - it's a proxy indicator of awareness and access," noted Dr. Murali. To spark a public conversation around salt reduction, the NIE has also recently launched the #PinchForAChange campaign on Twitter and LinkedIn through ICMR-NIE. Using infographics, facts, and simple messages, the campaign aims to raise awareness about hidden salt sources, promote low-sodium alternatives, and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices. "If successful, this project could lead to the integration of sustainable dietary counselling models into the existing public health system. It can bridge the gap between knowledge and action, improve health literacy, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension-related diseases. "This is not just about reducing salt. It's about restoring balance in our diets, our systems, and our hearts. Together, one pinch at a time, we can create lasting change," Dr Murali added. PTI
