New Covid Variant Stratus Sweeps UK, Brings Unusual Symptoms
The new Covid variant Stratus is now spreading swiftly across the UK, bringing with it a surprising symptom that has caught the attention of health experts.
Unlike previous Covid strains, Stratus is now linked to hoarseness – a rough, raspy voice that’s turning out to be a tell-tale sign. It’s what’s making this variant stand out from the rest.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified two key offshoots: XFG and XFG.3. Of these, XFG.3 has rapidly become the most dominant single strain in the country. Current data shows that both variants are responsible for around 30% of Covid-19 cases in England.
“It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time,” said Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA. The agency continues to closely track the behaviour of these new strains across the nation.
Despite concerns about the speed of its spread, Dr Allen reassured the public, stating: “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.”
The new Covid variant Stratus comes on the heels of last month’s surge of the Nimbus strain, which caused intense, razor-sharp sore throats in many patients. The Nimbus variant, officially named NB.1.8.1, originated from Omicron and first surfaced in January. It quickly spread across China, Hong Kong, and has now made its way to the United States and Australia.
Tracking the full impact of these new strains is proving tricky. Covid-19 testing has dropped significantly since the peak of the pandemic, making it harder to map out the virus’s true spread.
Professor Lawrence Young, virologist at Warwick University, warned that immunity in the UK population is weakening. “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,” he told MailOnline.
“This could lead to a new wave of infection but it’s difficult to predict the extent of this wave.”
Some experts are also raising alarms about the possibility that new Covid variant Stratus may dodge existing immunity, even in those previously vaccinated or infected.
“Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” explained Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, speaking to Cosmopolitan UK.
Dr Khan added, “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice,” but reassured that most symptoms so far appear to be mild to moderate.
Globally, as of 22 June, Stratus has been linked to 22.7% of Covid cases, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO has labelled it a “variant under monitoring” but currently considers the risk to global public health to be low.
As people across the UK remain alert to the spread of the new Covid variant Stratus, many households are also closely following updates on financial support. For those receiving Universal Credit, you can check the latest updates on when the Universal Credit cost-of-living payment will be paid here.
Still, with falling immunity levels and testing rates in decline, the potential for further spread of the new Covid variant Stratus remains something the UK health system can’t afford to ignore.
