New Covid Variant ‘Stratus’ Sweeps UK: Hoarse Voice Emerges as Key Symptom
A new COVID-19 variant, known as’ Stratus’, is swiftly spreading across the UK. This strain, comprising two subvariants, XFG and XFG.3, was first linked in January 2025.
By June, the World Health Organisation( WHO) had designated XFG as a variant under monitoring due to its increasing global frequency.
By early September, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 7.1% rise in Covid-19 cases across England compared to the previous week, though it remains unclear how many of these are linked to the XFG strain.
In Ireland, health experts recorded 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the XFG variant believed to be behind the majority of new cases.
Distinctive Symptom: Hoarse Voice
Unlike previous variants, Stratus presents a unique early symptom—a hoarse or raspy voice. This can precede more traditional COVID-19 symptoms, making it easily overlooked.
Medical professionals have also noted additional symptoms, including blocked noses, sore throats, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Dr. Gareth Nye explained: “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.”
He further noted: “Illnesses always see spikes as children go back to school, as close contact and often lower personal hygiene levels mix.”
Dr. Nye emphasised the importance of regular vaccination against the latest coronavirus strains: “This version is more likely to make you sick, however, as they appear to be able to evade 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.”
Increased Transmissibility
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco, cautioned that Stratus exhibits a “wider range of symptoms” compared to earlier variants. He noted that the variant is more transmissible, particularly with children returning to school:
“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.”
Despite the rise in cases, the WHO has assessed the additional public health risk posed by XFG as low. Current data suggest that the variant doesn’t lead to more severe illness or deaths compared to other circulating variants.
Vaccines are anticipated to remain effective against characteristic and severe complications. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms stay home and seek medical advice.
Vaccination remains a crucial tool in controlling the spread of the contagion. As the situation develops, the UKHSA and other health agencies will give updates and guidance to the public.
Individuals passing a coarse voice, sore throat, or other COVID-19 symptoms are advised to take preventive measures, get tested, and keep vaccinations up to date.
