France faces an autumn Covid-19 wave as Frankenstein XFG returns
As autumn settles in, Covid-19 is making a renewed appearance in France. Data from the Sentinelles network, which monitors acute respiratory infections, shows the incidence of Covid-19 in patients seen in consultation rising to 49 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week of September 15–21. Health authorities describe the level of activity as moderate but increasing for the second consecutive week. In the same period, Relab, which tracks laboratory-confirmed infections, reported that about one in four Covid tests performed in community medical laboratories returned positive. Santé publique France also notes a 37% increase in Covid-related hospitalizations during that week.
Experts caution that these numbers reflect only a portion of real cases, because many people do not seek testing. Symptoms may resemble a cold or simple flu—tiredness, cough, and sometimes mild fever—yet the rising trend is nonetheless noteworthy for public health planning as we move deeper into the respiratory-season period.
The Frankenstein variant XFG: what we know
Scientists are attributing part of the uptick to the XFG variant, nicknamed “Frankenstein” due to its hybrid origins from multiple coronavirus lineages circulating in Europe. Despite concerns about transmissibility, specialists stress that XFG does not inherently carry greater virulence than recent Omicron descendants. The virus has become a respiratory pathogen that behaves similarly to other circulating cold-like viruses, which helps explain why many cases go undetected or unreported.
Another reassuring note from experts is that the current strain remains close to the vaccine strains used in France, which should help maintain reasonable vaccine effectiveness against severe disease. Still, certain populations remain especially vulnerable, including people with compromised immune systems, transplant recipients, those undergoing chemotherapy, and the very elderly. For these groups, vaccination remains a critical protection against serious outcomes.
<h2 Vaccination and public health actions
To bolster protection, France’s vaccination campaign is set to begin on October 14 and run through January 31, 2026. Health authorities stress that vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, even when circulating variants differ from the original vaccine strain. However, uptake has been uneven—only about 30% of those eligible were vaccinated in the previous season—raising concerns about how well the population at risk will be protected this year.
Public health leaders also emphasize the importance of staying up to date with vaccines and using testing when symptoms arise. The surveillance networks—Sentinelles, Relab—and Santé publique France will continue to monitor trends closely and adjust guidance as needed. While the seasonal rise in cases is expected to continue in the coming weeks, health experts argue that the situation should not be alarmist if people continue to follow vaccination recommendations, seek testing when indicated, and practice sensible infection-control measures during the autumn and winter months.
<h2 Practical guidance for readers
If you develop symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, or shortness of breath, consult a health professional and consider testing. Vulnerable individuals should prioritize vaccination and discuss any booster options with their healthcare provider. For the general population, maintaining up-to-date vaccines, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when ill can reduce transmission and protect those at highest risk.
What to expect in the coming weeks
Experts anticipate that Covid-19 case numbers may continue to climb through early autumn, mirroring patterns seen in prior years. While this is not a cause for panic, it is a reminder to be vigilant, especially for those who are immunocompromised or older. Public health agencies will maintain surveillance and update recommendations as data accumulate.
