A recently emerged variant of the Covid virus is spreading rapidly, showcasing distinctive symptoms that set it apart from previous strains.
The new strain, named ‘Stratus’, consists of two variants, XFG and XFG.3, first identified in January of this year. The World Health Organization (WHO) flagged the XFG variant in June, categorizing it as ‘under monitoring’ due to its escalating global presence.
As of 3 September, the UK Health Security Agency reported a 7.1% increase in coronavirus cases in England compared to the previous week, although the exact impact of the XFG strain remains uncertain.
In Ireland, health experts recorded 425 new infections in the initial week of September, predominantly linked to the XFG variant.
Typical Covid symptoms often mirror those of common respiratory illnesses like the flu, including fever, cough, sneezing, or a runny nose, with varying severity across cases.
However, a distinguishing feature of the Stratus variant is its primary symptom of a hoarse or raspy voice, which can manifest before the more traditional Covid indicators, potentially leading to oversight.
Medical professionals have also documented additional symptoms associated with this variant, such as nasal congestion, sore throat, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue.
Dr. Nye emphasized that individuals infected with this version often experience pronounced throat discomfort and hoarseness, distinguishing it from the usual symptoms like cough, fever, and body aches.
He further noted that the Stratus variant appears to have a higher likelihood of causing illness and evading immune responses, potentially reducing the efficacy of previous vaccines. This underscores the importance of regular vaccination to combat the evolving nature of the coronavirus.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong highlighted that Stratus exhibits a broader spectrum of symptoms compared to earlier variants, including an increased prevalence of sore throats, particularly among older individuals who were not vaccinated in the previous year.
With its heightened transmissibility, especially as schools reopen, the likelihood of contracting the virus is elevated, making it crucial to consider any signs of illness, as even minor symptoms may indicate a potential Covid infection.