The Stratus variant, also known as XFG, is spreading among the population with unusual early warning signs
Experts are warning of unusual early symptoms of the new Stratus variant (also known as XFG)(Image: Getty)
For many people, Covid may seem like a thing of the past, but a new Covid variant is slipping into the UK undetected and causing symptoms that might easily be dismissed as the new strain races through the population.
The new strain, called Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, with XFG.3 accounting for 40 per cent of cases in England as of June this year. The strain is surging at pace with distinctive early warning indicators.
Over the water, Irish health officials documented 425 fresh infections in the first week of September, with the Stratus variant believed to be responsible for the overwhelming majority of new cases.
The variant now represents 76.1 per cent of documented infections compared to merely 49.3 per cent six weeks earlier, Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported.
The World Health Organisation categorises Stratus as a “variant under monitoring”. Whilst not believed to cause more serious illness, it can transmit more quickly than previous strains.
The UKHSA has urged eligible people to get their vaccines as Covid and flu are continuing to circulate(Image: Getty)
The variant carries with it a subtle, initial symptom that individuals might dismiss rather than recognising it as an ailment.
Stratus’ most frequent early warning indicator is a hoarse or gravelly voice, which subsequently gives way to the typical Covid signs like a temperature or a cough, reports the Irish Mirror.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Harley Street GP Dr Kaywaan Khan said: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.”
Doctors have noted a variety of other symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throats, stomach upsets and fatigue. Infectious disease expert Dr Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California San Francisco cautioned that Stratus presents a “wider range of symptoms” than previous 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.”
Over 10 million people have now received their Covid-19 vaccine boosters in the UK(Image: Getty)
Despite the emergence of new symptoms, the UK’s official Covid guidance remains unchanged. The UK Gov website states: “If you have COVID-19 you should try to stay at home. Most people cannot get free COVID-19 tests.
“You can buy tests in shops but you cannot report the result to the NHS. You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the NHS.
The NHS has provided an extensive list of traditional Covid-19 symptoms for Britons to be aware of.
Symptoms of COVID-19
A Covid variant is coming in under the radar and leaving people with symptoms that could easily be overlooked(Image: Getty)COVID-19 symptoms can include:a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hoursa loss or change to your sense of smell or tasteshortness of breathfeeling tired or exhaustedan aching bodya headachea sore throata blocked or runny noseloss of appetitediarrhoeafeeling sick or being sick
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These symptoms are very similar to those of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.
Most individuals recover within a few weeks, but recovery may take longer for some.
For certain individuals, it can be a more severe illness and their symptoms can persist for a longer period.