New Covid variant Stratus now 'growing rapidly' and these are the symptoms
The 'Stratus' Covid-19 variant is now the dominant strain in England, new data has revealed. Here are the symptoms of the XFG and XFG.3 strains of the virus
The variant is 'growing rapidly'
(Image: Getty Images )
A new strain of Covid-19, named 'Stratus', has become the most prevalent virus variant in England according to recent data.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted that 'Stratus' is "growing rapidly" when compared to other variants and designated it as "variant under monitoring" on June 25 following its initial detection in January.
Despite concerns that 'Stratus' could potentially "evade immunity" provided by vaccinations and past infections, the WHO assesses the additional global public health risk as "low".
Rising levels of the XFG and XFG.3 variants in England have been observed, with these two forms representing different strains of the overarching 'Stratus', the original being identified as XFG and its derivative known as XFG.3.
Data from May showed that 'Stratus' constituted 10% of cases in England, but recent figures indicate XFG and XFG. 3 variants now makeup approximately 40% of cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Analysis of case numbers between May 26 and June 8 reveals that 28.9% were due to XFG. 3, and 11.4% were owing to XFG.
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The Stratus Covid variant has been identified with a distinctive symptom of causing a hoarse voice, setting it apart from earlier strains.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK: "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice."
However, he said Stratus does not appear to people 'more ill' than previous strains, adding that symptoms tend to be "mild to moderate".
Health professionals in India, where the Stratus variant is prevalent, have described patients experiencing a dry cough, sore throat, and other typical Covid symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, and tiredness.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that there's no current evidence to suggest this variant leads to more severe illness than its predecessors.
The WHO commented: "While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of the [South-east Asia Region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants."
Following the Nimbus variant, which was marked as a "variant under monitoring" last month and was notorious for causing a "razor blade sensation" – a sharp pain during swallowing – the Stratus variant is now under the WHO's watch.
The NHS lists the common signs of Covid-19 as:
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A high temperature or shivering (chills)
A new, continuous cough
A loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste
Breathlessness
Feeling fatigued or worn out
Body aches or a headache
A sore throat, blocked or runny nose
Loss of appetite, feeling nauseous or vomiting
Diarrhoea
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