A fresh variant of the Covid virus is rapidly spreading with distinctive symptoms that need attention.
Concern is growing over the rapid transmission of the new Covid strain called ‘Stratus’, comprising two variants, XFG and XFG.3. Identified in January this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified XFG as ‘under monitoring’ by June due to its increasing global prevalence.
As of September 3, the UK Health Security Agency noted a 7.1% surge in coronavirus cases across England compared to the previous week, although the exact impact of the XFG strain remains uncertain.
Health authorities in Ireland confirmed 425 new infections in the first week of September, attributing the majority to the XFG variant.
Typically, Covid symptoms mirror common respiratory illnesses like the flu, including fever, cough, sneezing, or a runny nose, ranging from mild to severe.
However, an early indicator of Stratus is a hoarse or raspy voice, preceding traditional Covid symptoms, potentially leading to oversight due to its unusual onset.
Medical experts have also observed additional symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue.
Dr. Nye mentioned to the Mirror that individuals with this variant often experience intense sore throats and hoarseness, distinguishing it from the general symptoms of cough, fever, and body aches.
He emphasized the heightened sickness potential of this version, suggesting it can evade the immune system even in individuals with prior infections, reducing the efficacy of existing vaccines and underscoring the importance of regular vaccination updates.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco, cautioned that Stratus presents a broader array of symptoms compared to earlier strains.
He highlighted an increase in sore throats, particularly among older unvaccinated individuals, and noted its higher transmissibility, especially with the return of children to school, where any minor ailment may be Covid-related.