Latest news with #Stratus'
India.com
11-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
What is Stratus, new COVID variant on the rise in UK, said to be vaccine-resistant? Are we going to witness...
(Representational image: New Delhi: It seems that the dreaded coronavirus is back and this time it has brought along a new COVID-19 strain named Stratus. This information was shared by a healthcare expert who has warned that it may dodge vaccine-induced immunity and increase the risk of infection across all age groups. What is new COVID-19 variant? A new variant of the continually mutating COVID-19 virus is spreading fast and it has health officials on their toes worldwide. The XFG strain is nicknamed 'Stratus' and was recently designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organization (WHO). Reports say that it accounts for a growing proportion of cases globally, particularly in Southeast Asia, where the new variant is connected to a simultaneous rise in new cases and hospitalizations. However, despite the rapid spread of infections, the WHO considers the overall public health risk from XFG to be low, and current data does not suggest that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation. What is the risk of it spreading? The case is a bit intense in the United Kingdom where the Stratus strain, officially classified under the SARS-CoV-2 variants XFG and XFG.3, is spreading fast. with signs of global transmission. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these two variants now account for around 30 per cent of COVID-19 cases in England, with XFG.3 emerging as the dominant variant. As per the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, the Stratus variant contributed to 23 per cent of global COVID-19 cases as of last month. Who is at highest risk of COVID-19 new strain? A large number of people have a weak immune system, and they are the most vulnerable to getting infected and this is helping the virus to spread fast. According to experts, as booster vaccination rates fall and natural infections become less frequent, more people may be vulnerable to Stratus. This could increase the risk of a fresh wave of infections, especially among those with weakened immune systems or those who haven't had recent booster shots. What are symptoms of Stratus COVID-19 new variant? Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Hoarseness, dry, or irritated throat
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Signs you may have new Covid strain Stratus that has identifiable symptom
One symptom sets this new Covid strain apart from the others- do you have it? A new variant of Covid has been ravaging the UK in recent weeks, and it presents one unusual symptom that sets it apart from other strains. Formerly known as the XFG variant, the 'Stratus' strain of Covid is concerning health experts who believe it may be better at evading immunity than previous strains of the virus. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that Stratus is currently the leading Covid strain in England. The variant's ability to infect individuals who have already had the virus and those who are vaccinated is the leading cause for concern surrounding Stratus. In May, Stratus accounted for 10 per cent of all Covid cases, but by mid-June, this figure had risen to 40 per cent. There are two subvariants of Stratus currently in circulation: XFG and XFG.3. The World Health Organisation has classified Stratus as a 'variant under monitoring'. This means that the organisation is closely observing the spread of the strain, which currently represents 22 per cent of all cases globally. Although exact numbers of Stratus cases in Scotland are unclear, the country's Covid surveillance data shows that as of the week ending June 29, there were 228 diagnosed Covid cases altogether. The average number of inpatients in Scottish hospitals with Covid for the week ending June 29 was 116. But what are the indicators of this new Covid strain, and what is its one identifiable symptom? Here's everything you need to know. Signs you may have the new Covid variant Stratus The new strain of Covid has one unique symptom that sets it apart from other variants of the virus- a hoarse and raspy voice. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, shared with Cosmopolitan UK that "one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice." Its symptoms were described as 'mild to moderate' by the health professional, and other signs of Stratus are similar to that of other Covid strains. The NHS explains that symptoms of Covid can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) A new, continuous cough A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body or a headache A sore throat, blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick Diarrhoea Dr Khan advised: "If you test positive, Stratus is highly contagious, and it is advised to stay home and isolate to avoid spreading to others." Another strain of Covid that recently emerged is known as the 'Nimbus' variant, that is also thought to be more contagious than previous versions of the virus. If you have any symptoms of Covid, it is advised to self-test and to stay home to avoid spreading these new strains further. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Coronavirus Variant ‘Stratus' Noted for Mild Symptoms
In Germany, 'Nimbus' is currently the most prevalent coronavirus variant by far. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia and gradually in Europe, another cloud-named variant is gaining significance: 'Stratus' (XFG). Indian doctors have noted frequent reports of hoarseness as a distinctive feature of XFG. In the Southeast Asia region, a new coronavirus variant called XFG, or 'Stratus,' is gaining momentum.1 The World Health Organization currently assesses the health risk from 'Stratus' as low. Approved vaccines are expected to remain effective against severe illness. However, as the spread of 'Stratus' increases globally and several Southeast Asian countries report a rise in new cases and hospitalizations, the WHO has classified it as a 'variant under monitoring.'1 FITBOOK explains what doctors have reported about the symptoms so far and how the virus is currently spreading in Germany. XFG ('Stratus') is a SARS-CoV-2 variant that has emerged from the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 lineages. Despite the rapid spread of this variant, there is currently no evidence that 'Stratus' causes more severe illness than other circulating variants. In previous COVID-19 waves, loss of taste and smell were characteristic symptoms. For 'Nimbus,' first detected in Germany at the end of March and currently responsible for 60 percent of COVID-19 infections according to the Robert Koch Institute, it was the 'razor blade-like sore throat.'2 What are the specific symptoms of 'Stratus'? The WHO risk report contains no information on the symptoms of 'Stratus' (XFG). Nor are there any official statements from national health authorities on specific symptoms of this new variant. However, various media sources, particularly from India, report observations from doctors. A notable feature of the current wave is the frequent reporting of hoarseness in COVID patients, as reported by the 'Times of India' on May 30.3 Many patients this time are complaining of 'dry or irritated cough, accompanied by sore throat and hoarseness.' Doctors from various hospitals have confirmed that hoarseness is now a common symptom in clinics across India. Hoarseness manifests as a scratchy or rough voice. Also interesting: 9 new COVID symptoms added to the official list Because 'Stratus,' like the other currently globally dominant variant 'Nimbus,' has the potential to trigger a COVID wave, the choice fell on another meteorological term for cloud types – 'Stratus' – said virologist Dr. Ryan Gregory to the website The organization Gavi is one of the world's key players in vaccination programs. Virologist Gregory is part of a network of researchers that assigns unofficial nicknames to new virus variants. 'The Sun,' a British tabloid, refers to 'Stratus' as the 'Frankenstein Variant' because it resulted from the combination of two different COVID-19 strains.5 This occurs when a person is simultaneously infected with two different variants, which then merge into a new hybrid variant. Participate in our FITBOOK survey! According to virologist Gregory, 'Nimbus' and 'Stratus' are currently competing for dominance worldwide. Despite their rapid spread, there is currently no evidence that 'Stratus' (XFG) or 'Nimbus' (NB.1.8.1) cause more severe illness than other circulating variants. According to 'Gavi,' both variants have mutated spike proteins. This means they may be better able to evade immunity built up from previous infections or vaccinations. In other words, this likely makes it harder for the immune system to recognize and combat the virus. Also interesting: Largest study to date on COVID vaccinations identifies potential follow-up illnesses The spread of 'Stratus' is still in its early stages in Europe, with the WHO reporting it at around 16 percent in the region. In England, the share of XFG rose from 10 percent in May to 40 percent by mid-June 2025. In Germany, 'Stratus' last appeared in the Robert Koch Institute's statistics on coronavirus variants in early June, with a percentage share of 5.56 percent; the week before, this share was 8.33 percent. The highest percentage recorded for 'Stratus' (XFG) was in mid-May 2025. Currently, 'Nimbus' dominates in Germany (60 percent). The situation is developing dynamically, so continuous monitoring remains important. Even though XFG has the highest relative growth advantage among the current lineages, the WHO currently sees no evidence of more severe illness or atypical clinical patterns. Approved vaccines continue to protect against symptomatic and severe cases, according to the risk paper on 'Stratus.' The post New Coronavirus Variant 'Stratus' Noted for Mild Symptoms appeared first on FITBOOK.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
New Covid variant Stratus now 'growing rapidly' and these are the symptoms
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. Article continues below 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: Article continues below 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 Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here .
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New COVID strain 'Stratus': Experts warn of a strange symptom
Image credits: iStock Experts in the UK have warned of a new Covid variant called 'Stratus' that could drive a new wave of infections. Scientifically known as XFG, this strain is thought to be more infectious than the previous strains due to its mutations that help evade the immune system. According to the data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus has now become the dominant COVID-19 strain in England, going from accounting for about 10% of all Covid cases in May to almost 40% of all cases in mid-June. Stratus, which is a descendant of the super-virulent Omicron, is known as a Frankenstein or 'recombinant' strain, meaning it emerged when a person was infected with two Covid strains at once, which became a new hybrid variant. Both strains of Stratus- the original XFG and the spin-off XFG.3 are 'rapidly spreading' said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University to MailOnline. "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." "This could lead to a new wave of infection but it's difficult to predict the extent of this wave," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Can Stratus cause more severe illness? Image credits: iStock According to Young, currently, there is no evidence that proves that Stratus causes more severe illness. He added that getting a Covid vaccine was 'very likely' to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation. WHO (World Health Organization) declared the strain as a 'variant under monitoring' while assessing its overall risk as 'low' However, the organisation also pointed to the variant having a significant growth advantage when compared to other strains with it currently accounting for 22% of cases recorded worldwide. What are the symptoms of the Stratus strain? Image credits: iStock Most of the symptoms of Stratus are similar to the previous strains. According to the NHS, these symptoms include shortness of breath, loss or change to smell or taste, feeling tired or exhausted, high temperature or shivering, blocked or runny nose, aching body, continuous cough, sore throat, headache, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and feeling sick. However, according to Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice. The doctor added that the symptoms tend to be mild to moderate in general and if a person tests positive, they must stay at home and isolate as Stratus is highly contagious added the doctor in conversation with Cosmopolitan UK.
