Stratus and Cicada COVID Variants in Autumn 2026. Symptoms, Severity and When to See a Doctor

Written by Sama Samy

COVID-19 is rising across the UK this autumn, and 2 variants are in the headlines. XFG, nicknamed Stratus and sometimes called “American Covid”, is the most common variant in the UK and has circulated for about a year. BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, is a highly divergent descendant of the Omicron family that the World Health Organization lists as a variant under monitoring, with the public health risk assessed as low. In a statement on 8 October 2026, the UK Health Security Agency said current data does not show either variant causing more severe illness than others in circulation, and that positive test rates rose to about 7% in September while hospital admissions rose by about 50%, in line with a general rise in COVID-19 activity as the weather turns colder. Symptoms are now often cold-like, with a sore throat that can be severe, a hoarse voice, cough, blocked nose, fatigue, aches and fever, and loss of taste or smell is less common than with earlier variants. Most people recover at home within days. People at highest risk can be assessed for antiviral treatment, which needs to start quickly after symptoms begin. At The Wellness you can be assessed the same day by video from £150, or at home from £495, with a second household member from £195. Fees appear further down this page.

Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 14 October 2026, using UKHSA statements of 8 October 2026.

See a doctor today on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

Key facts about COVID-19 this autumn

  • XFG, called Stratus, is the most common variant in the UK, according to UKHSA.

  • BA.3.2, called Cicada, is a variant under monitoring with a low assessed public health risk.

  • UKHSA says neither variant appears to cause more severe illness than others in circulation.

  • Positive tests rose to about 7% in September and hospital admissions by about 50%.

  • Symptoms are often cold-like, including a severe sore throat and hoarse voice.

  • People at highest risk should test early, because antiviral treatment must start quickly.

What are the symptoms of the current variants

The symptoms reported with the current variants overlap heavily with colds and flu. A sore throat, sometimes described as severe, a hoarse voice, cough, blocked or runny nose, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, fever or chills are common. Some people, particularly children, have nausea or diarrhoea.

Loss of taste or smell is less common than with earlier variants, so it is not a reliable way to tell COVID-19 from a cold. A rapid lateral flow test is the only practical way to know at home.

Are Stratus and Cicada more dangerous

Not on current evidence. UKHSA’s assessment on 8 October 2026 was that current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants. The rise in hospital admissions is tracking a rise in overall COVID-19 activity, likely driven by colder weather, more time indoors and immunity waning since the last major wave about a year ago.

That does not mean COVID-19 is harmless. Older people and those with weakened immune systems remain at higher risk of serious illness, which is why vaccination and early treatment matter for them.

Ask a doctor about your symptoms on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

Who can have antiviral treatment

The NHS offers antiviral treatment to people at highest risk of becoming seriously ill. You may be eligible for an assessment if you are aged 12 or over, have symptoms, have tested positive, and have a qualifying condition, such as a weakened immune system, certain cancers or cancer treatment, an organ transplant, severe kidney or liver disease, or certain brain, nervous system or lung conditions.

The antivirals used are nirmatrelvir with ritonavir, and molnupiravir. They work best when started quickly after symptoms begin, so people in these groups should keep tests at home and test as soon as symptoms start.

A doctor can review your medical history, check whether you qualify, check for interactions with your other medicines, and help you access treatment the same day.

What should you do if you test positive

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially those at higher risk, for 5 days if you are an adult, and 3 days for children and young people. If you must go out, wear a well-fitting face covering, avoid crowded places, and wash your hands often.

Rest, drink fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches if suitable. Antibiotics do not treat COVID-19.

When to see a doctor or call 999

See a doctor if you are in a higher-risk group, if you are not improving after a week, or if you start to recover and then get worse.

Call 999 if you are struggling to breathe or cannot speak in full sentences, have chest pain or pressure, become confused or very drowsy, or your lips, face or nails look blue, grey or pale.

Who can have the autumn COVID-19 vaccine

The autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccine is offered by the NHS to people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system. UKHSA describes vaccines as the best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation. If you are not eligible on the NHS, a doctor can advise on private vaccination.

What does it cost to see a private doctor for COVID-19 in London

Membership practices in central London charge annual retainers running into thousands and then £400 to £600 or more per visit, Harley Street GP consultations sit at £250 to £350, and visiting doctor services commonly charge £195 to £350 in the daytime and more at night.

At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with prescriptions and fit notes included. All figures are from prices.

  • Platinum Membership, from £17,450 a year. Signature Membership, with same-day access to a doctor all winter, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.

  • On-site vaccination clinic day at your workplace, from £4,995.

  • Home, hotel or office visit, evenings and weekends from £695 and daytime from £495, with a second household member from £195.

  • Adult vaccination consultation, from £220, with vaccines quoted per course.

  • Same-day video consultation, including a fit note where needed, from £150.

Appointments are available 7 days a week by video, at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia, or at home.

Why people choose The Wellness this winter

Because you can be assessed today by video, without travelling while unwell.

Because people at higher risk are assessed quickly for antiviral treatment, when it works best.

Because the doctor checks your other medicines for interactions before any antiviral is started.

Because the whole household can be seen in one home visit.

And because fit notes and prescriptions are included in the appointment.

Related reading

Flu, COVID or a cold covers telling winter viruses apart, RSV in adults covers the other virus rising this autumn, adult vaccinations covers COVID-19, flu, RSV and shingles vaccines, and private GP home visits covers doctors who come to you.

Book a same-day appointment on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cicada COVID variant

BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, is a highly divergent descendant of the Omicron BA.3 lineage that re-emerged in South Africa in late 2024. The World Health Organization lists it as a variant under monitoring and assesses the public health risk as low.

What is the Stratus COVID variant

XFG, nicknamed Stratus and sometimes called American Covid, is the most common COVID-19 variant in the UK this autumn, according to UKHSA, and has circulated for about a year.

Are the new COVID variants more severe

UKHSA said on 8 October 2026 that current data does not indicate these variants cause more severe illness than other variants in circulation.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in autumn 2026

Commonly a sore throat that can be severe, hoarse voice, cough, blocked nose, tiredness, aches, headache and fever. Loss of taste or smell is less common than with earlier variants.

Who can get COVID-19 antiviral treatment

People aged 12 and over at highest risk of serious illness, such as those with weakened immune systems, certain cancers, organ transplants or severe kidney or liver disease, who have symptoms and a positive test. Treatment needs to start quickly.

How much does a private doctor cost for COVID-19 in London

At The Wellness a same-day video consultation is from £150 and a home visit from £495, with a second household member seen in the same visit from £195.

The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.

Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

References

Sama Samy
Previous

Shingles in 2026. Early Signs, Why the First 3 Days Matter, and Who Can Have the Vaccine
Next

How to prepare for a GP appointment: a checklist for before, during and after