The NHS has updated its COVID guidance as health officials monitor a new variant driving significant case increases across the country. The Stratus variant, with sublineages XFG and XFG.3, now accounts for approximately 30% of current UK cases.
The health service outlines 12 key symptoms people should watch for during the seasonal illness surge. These include feeling exhausted, experiencing a high temperature or shivering, and developing a new continuous cough.
Additional warning signs encompass changes to or loss of sense of smell or taste, persistent headaches, and widespread body aches. Respiratory symptoms feature prominently, with shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny or blocked nose serving as key indicators.
Distinctive variant symptoms
A hoarse or raspy voice has emerged as a distinguishing symptom of the Stratus variant. According to health experts, this symptom often appears before typical COVID signs, helping differentiate the new strain from seasonal illnesses.
The Daily Record reports that the WHO has added XFG and XFG.3 variants to its international monitoring list due to rapid global spread. Gastrointestinal symptoms complete the NHS symptom profile, including diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and feeling sick or being sick.