A new Covid-19 variant named Stratus (XFG) is spreading rapidly across the population, with health officials warning of an early and subtle symptom that many people may easily ignore.
According to the Daily Star, the Stratus variant is spreading silently, producing mild symptoms that often resemble a common cold, while its infection rate continues to rise quickly.
Rapid Spread Across Communities
Health officials in Ireland reported 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the majority attributed to the Stratus variant. Data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that Stratus now accounts for 76.1% of documented infections, compared to 49.3% just six weeks earlier.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring.” While it is not believed to cause more severe illness than previous strains, it appears to spread more efficiently.
Subtle Early Symptom – Hoarseness
The most common early warning sign of Stratus is hoarseness of voice. Many dismiss this as a minor throat irritation, but doctors caution that it can quickly progress into fever, cough, and other Covid-19 symptoms.
Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a general practitioner at Harley Street, told Cosmopolitan UK:
“One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness — a raspy, weak, or strained voice.”
Additional symptoms reported include blocked nose, sore throat, stomach discomfort, and fatigue, according to the Irish Mirror.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco, explained to SFGATE:
“Some patients experience a much more severe sore throat, especially older adults who missed last year’s vaccination. This strain is highly contagious, and with children returning to school, we expect widespread transmission.”
Guidance From Health Authorities
Despite these developments, Irish health guidelines remain unchanged. The Health Service Executive (HSE) advises people to:
- Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms ease.
- Avoid contact with vulnerable groups.
- Covid-19 testing is not required unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Meanwhile, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) continues to list the broad range of Covid-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, loss of smell or taste, headache, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.
Doctors remind the public that Covid-19 symptoms can overlap with cold or flu, making vigilance essential. While most people recover within a few weeks, some may face severe illness or long Covid.
