Latest news with #DrAlexAllen
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Covid strain that can 'change your voice' hits UK
A fresh Covid variant has been sweeping through the UK, with some health experts raising concerns about its resistance to immunity. The Stratus strain stands out for causing a distinctive symptom of hoarseness in those infected. This strain has two subvariants, XFG and XFG. 3, with the latter being more prevalent than any other single variant, as per the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). READ MORE: The new DWP state pension rules that will affect millions next year READ MORE: Woman, 33, told forehead pimple was just a bite diagnosed with cancer Currently, the XFG and XFG. 3 variants represent approximately 30% of Covid-19 cases in England, the UKHSA reports. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, remarked, "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time," and assured that the agency continues to monitor all COVID strains within the UK. Despite warnings about its highly contagious nature, Dr Allen pointed out: "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them." This update arrives as new Covid variants persist in their spread across the nation, with the Nimbus variant causing intense sore throats akin to razor blades just last month. Identified as NB. 1.8.1, the Nimbus variant originated from Omicron and was initially detected in January this year. Having rapidly disseminated throughout China and Hong Kong, Nimbus has now been identified in various states in the United States and in Australia. The true scale of the spread of Covid-19 variants can be tough to gauge due to the substantial drop in testing since the peak of the pandemic five years ago. "Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3," Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, remarked while speaking with MailOnline. "This could lead to a new wave of infection but it's difficult to predict the extent of this wave." Warnings have also surfaced regarding the new variant Stratus' potential to bypass immunity provided by vaccines. "Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations," Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, explained to Cosmopolitan UK. "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," Dr Khan noted, mentioning that symptoms typically range from mild to moderate. As per an update on 22 June, Stratus comprised 22.7 per cent of global COVID-19 cases, as stated by the WHO. The WHO has labelled Stratus as a "variant under monitoring" and observed that present evidence indicates it poses a low risk to global public health.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What is new ‘Stratus' Covid strain? Symptoms to look out for as UK cases grow
A new strain of Covid, with a unique symptom, is circulating in the UK, accounting for a high proportion of cases in England. The new strain, called Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, with XFG.3 accounting for 30 per cent of cases in the country. Unlike other strains, some experts have suggested the Stratus variant is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice. Despite accounting for a large proportion of new cases, experts are not concerned over the spread, noting it is normal for viruses to mutate and change. 'It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,' Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist of UKHSA said, adding that it continues to monitor all strains of Covid in the UK. What is 'Stratus' XFG and XFG.3? The World Health Organisation has designated the XFG as a 'variant under monitoring' and has said the additional public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level. Globally, XFG was estimated to have the highest relative growth compared to other varients currently circluated, including the recent 'Nimbus' NB.1.8.1. Current data does not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation, the organisation said. What are the symptoms of Stratus Covid strain? While evidence shows an increased proportion of XFG WHO has not observed any signs that it has an increase in severity. '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, the WHO said. Dr Allen from the UKHSA also noted: 'Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them.' It comes as new Covid variants continue to spread throughout the country, with Nimbus giving people razor-blade like sore throats last month. Some experts have claimed Stratus can give patients a 'hoarse voice.' What are the risks around XFG? The WHO have designated XFG as a 'low risk' globally. It said: 'XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other varient] LP.8.1. While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalizations 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. 'The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages.' Do the Covid vaccines work against new strains? Based on available evidence the WHO said the current approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. The organisation said the current data suggests the risk of vaccine evasion is low, however additional laboratory studies are needed to further assess the risk of antibody escape. However, some experts have warned Stratus could also evade immunity from jabs. 'Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,' Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic told Cosmopolitan UK.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are the symptoms of the new Stratus COVID variant?
Cases of a new COVID variant have been reported in the UK. The strain has been dubbed 'Stratus' and there are two variants in circulation – XFG and the spin-off XFG.3 According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus variants currently account for just over 30% of COVID cases in England, up from 10% in May. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that XFG is growing rapidly globally and is thought to be slightly more infectious than previous variants. However, experts suggest there is no need to be unduly worried. The UKHSA says Stratus does not appear to pose any greater risk to health than other strains, and COVID cases in general are decreasing compared to recent weeks. "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them," Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told Yahoo UK. "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time. UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports." Stratus is a descendant of the Omicron COVID variant. It is a recombinant strain, sometimes called a 'Frankenstein' strain. This means it emerged when a person was infected with two COVID variants at once, creating a new hybrid variant. XFG has been declared a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO, meaning health authorities across the world have been asked to help track it to determine any public health implications. However, while the variant is said to spread rapidly, the WHO has classed it as 'low risk' on a global level. There isn't enough evidence yet to suggest this strain has any symptoms that might differentiate it from others. However, one doctor said that, while symptoms vary from person to person, the Stratus variant may be associated with hoarseness. 'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan. "Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection," he added. According to the NHS, common symptoms of COVID can include: a high temperature or shivering a new, continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath Feelings of fatigue or exhaustion aches headache sore throat blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or vomiting The UKHSA says that "COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators" in the week ending 29 June and was at baseline levels. COVID hospital admissions in England dropped to 0.99 per 100,000 compared to 1.46 the week before. And the number of people tested in GP surgeries who returned positive results fell to 7.8% from 8.8%. Hundreds of events mark five years since Covid-19 outbreak (The Guardian, 3-min read) What are the symptoms of the Nimbus COVID variant? (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read) Public trust in science has been eroded, from Covid-19 to climate (The Guardian, 3-min read)
The Independent
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What is new ‘Stratus' Covid variant? Symptoms as cases grow in UK
A new strain of Covid, with a unique symptom, is circulating in the UK, accounting for a high proportion of cases in England. The new strain, called Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, with XFG.3 accounting for 30 per cent of cases in the country. Unlike other strains, some experts have suggested the Stratus variant is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice. Despite accounting for a large proportion of new cases, experts are not concerned over the spread, noting it is normal for viruses to mutate and change. 'It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,' Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist of UKHSA said, adding that it continues to monitor all strains of Covid in the UK. What is 'Stratus' XFG and XFG.3? The World Health Organisation has designated the XFG as a 'variant under monitoring' and has said the additional public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level. Globally, XFG was estimated to have the highest relative growth compared to other varients currently circluated, including the recent 'Nimbus' NB.1.8.1. Current data does not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation, the organisation said. What are the symptoms? While evidence shows an increased proportion of XFG WHO has not observed any signs that it has an increase in severity. '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, the WHO said. Dr Allen from the UKHSA also noted: 'Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them.' It comes as new Covid variants continue to spread throughout the country, with Nimbus giving people razor-blade like sore throats last month. Some experts have claimed Stratus can give patients a 'hoarse voice.' What are the risks around XFG? The WHO have designated XFG as a 'low risk' globally. It said: 'XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other varient] LP.8.1. While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalizations 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. 'The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages.' Do the Covid vaccines work against NB.1.8.1? Based on available evidence the WHO said the current approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. The organisation said the current data suggests the risk of vaccine evasion is low, however additional laboratory studies are needed to further assess the risk of antibody escape. However, some experts have warned Stratus could also evade immunity from jabs. 'Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,' Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic told Cosmopolitan UK.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are the symptoms of the new Stratus COVID variant?
Cases of a new COVID variant have been reported in the UK. The strain has been dubbed 'Stratus' and there are two variants in circulation – XFG and the spin-off XFG.3 According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus variants currently account for just over 30% of COVID cases in England, up from 10% in May. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that XFG is growing rapidly globally and is thought to be slightly more infectious than previous variants. However, experts suggest there is no need to be unduly worried. The UKHSA says Stratus does not appear to pose any greater risk to health than other strains, and COVID cases in general are decreasing compared to recent weeks. "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them," Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told Yahoo UK. "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time. UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports." Stratus is a descendant of the Omicron COVID variant. It is a recombinant strain, sometimes called a 'Frankenstein' strain. This means it emerged when a person was infected with two COVID variants at once, creating a new hybrid variant. XFG has been declared a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO, meaning health authorities across the world have been asked to help track it to determine any public health implications. However, while the variant is said to spread rapidly, the WHO has classed it as 'low risk' on a global level. There isn't enough evidence yet to suggest this strain has any symptoms that might differentiate it from others. However, one doctor said that, while symptoms vary from person to person, the Stratus variant may be associated with hoarseness. 'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan. "Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection," he added. According to the NHS, common symptoms of COVID can include: a high temperature or shivering a new, continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath Feelings of fatigue or exhaustion aches headache sore throat blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or vomiting The UKHSA says that "COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators" in the week ending 29 June and was at baseline levels. COVID hospital admissions in England dropped to 0.99 per 100,000 compared to 1.46 the week before. And the number of people tested in GP surgeries who returned positive results fell to 7.8% from 8.8%. Hundreds of events mark five years since Covid-19 outbreak (The Guardian, 3-min read) What are the symptoms of the Nimbus COVID variant? (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read) Public trust in science has been eroded, from Covid-19 to climate (The Guardian, 3-min read)
