The unexpected Covid ‘Stratus’ symptom as new XFG.3 variant sweeps country
The XFG.3 Covid variant, also known as ‘Stratus’, is spreading rapidly across the UK
A new type of Covid variant dubbed ‘Stratus’ is rapidly spreading, with health experts warning of a distinctive symptom that sets it apart from previous strains.
The emerging Covid strain, which has two variants – XFG and XFG. 3 – was initially detected in January this year.
By June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had placed XFG on its watchlist following its fast spread.
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On September 3, the UK Health Security Agency reported a concerning 7.1 per cent rise in coronavirus infections throughout England when compared to the week before, although it is not known how many cases stem from the XFG variant.
Generally, Covid symptoms can mirror those of typical respiratory conditions like the flu, including fever, coughing, sneezing or a running nose, reports the Mirror.
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Symptoms may vary from mild to serious, varying from person to person.
However, the most common initial symptom of Stratus is a hoarse or raspy voice, which can precede more traditional Covid symptoms. This more unusual early sign can easily be missed.
This rather uncommon early warning can be easily overlooked.
Experts in Ireland logged 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the XFG variant believed to be responsible for most of them.
Medics have also noted a raft of other symptoms, including blocked noses, sore throats, digestive problems and extreme tiredness.
Biomedical scientist at the University of Salford, Dr Gareth Nye, told the Mirror: “In most ways, it’s almost identical. However, people with this version tend to get very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with the other more general symptoms like cough, temperature and aches.
“Illnesses always see spikes as children go back to school, as close contact and often lower personal hygiene levels mix.
“This version is more likely to make you sick, however, as they appear to be able to avoid your immune system even if you’ve had it before. [This] makes prior vaccines less useful, which makes regular vaccination against the latest coronavirus even more important. Think of it like updating your phone to get the best possible experience.”
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Meanwhile, Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert from the University of California, San Francisco, also issued a warning that Stratus displays a “wider range of symptoms” compared to earlier variants.
Speaking to SFGATE, he said: “There’s a little bit more sore throats with some people. Particularly in those who are older, who didn’t get vaccinated last year.
“It’s more transmissible, so we expect that a lot of people will get it. Particularly with kids going back to school, a sniffle is likely going to be Covid.”