New Covid Symptoms Alert as Stratus Variant Spreads Rapidly Across the UK and Ireland
A fresh Covid variant is tightening its grip across the UK and Ireland, sparking concern among health officers and croakers
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The strain, named Stratus, is proving to be both nippy and sneaky, with experts advising of new Covid symptoms that differ from those seen in earlier swells.
Detected first in Southeast Asia in January 2025, Stratus quickly moved beyond borders. By June, it had already spread to 38 countries, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to label it a “SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring.”
Rising Cases on Home Soil
Stratus carries two subtypes, XFG and XFG.3, with XFG.3 now dominating in England. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the strain made up just 10 per cent of cases in May.
Now, it accounts for around 40 per cent of infections across England. Ireland is also seeing a sharp uptick. In the first week of September alone, health officials reported 425 new infections, with Stratus believed to be behind the overwhelming majority.
Across the Atlantic, the US is witnessing a similar surge. Despite its rapid spread, WHO experts maintain that Stratus does not appear to cause more severe illness.
The agency reassured the public: “Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.
Several countries in the Southeast Asia Region have reported a simultaneous rise in new cases and hospitalisations, where XFG has been widely detected.
Current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation.”
Symptoms That Stand Out
What sets this variant apart are the different early warning signs. Dr Kader, a medic who shares health advice on his TikTok channel @ask.doctor.km, explained: “Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid variant.
It’s called Stratus or XFG, and actually, the symptoms are a little bit different when compared to the previous variants.
The new variant seems to be starting with ear, nose, and throat symptoms, so most people are complaining about a really hoarse voice or a super sore throat.
It also seems to present with more GI symptoms. A lot of people are complaining about nausea, vomiting, bloating, and acid reflux.”
The doctor added: “You may have noticed that everyone is getting sick this week, and we’ve seen a huge rise in Covid cases in hospital patients, and part of the reason why infections are spreading fast is because the weather is changing, it’s getting a bit colder, people are staying indoors more and just passing the bugs to each other.”
NHS Advice Still Stands
The NHS continues to urge vigilance. Classic Covid-19 signs remain important to watch for, including:
- High temperature or chills
- Persistent cough
- Loss or change in smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Headaches and body aches
- Sore throat, blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
With the colder months drawing in, experts stress the significance of staying alert. Regular testing, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and keeping up with supporter dabs remain crucial defences.
Stratus might not be more deadly, but its speed and new COVID-19 symptoms are reason enough to take extra care. Health officials are urging the public to act swiftly if symptoms appear, to help curb the spread before winter pressures mount on the NHS.
