The new Covid variant, officially known as XFG, has a unique symptom
A new Covid strain is spreading across the globe(Image: PA)
A new Covid-19 variant presenting a unique symptom is making waves across the world. Dubbed the Stratus variant, the XFG strain and its descendant, XFG. 3, now constitute almost a quarter of global infections.
On June 25, the World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled Stratus as a “variant under monitoring”, signifying it warrants special focus due to traits of the variant which may introduce extra hazards.
Speculation abounds that this variant’s mutations could enable it to dodge immunity provided by vaccines and past infections more effectively, potentially hindering our immune system’s ability to combat it.
READ MORE: Covid warning as new Stratus variant ‘rapidly spreading’, says expertREAD MORE: Nimbus variant: Nasty symptoms of new Covid strain as latest wave hits
Yet, the WHO maintains that so far, there’s no indication that Stratus poses greater health threats than earlier variants, assessing its risk level as “low”, reports the MEN. Currently, Stratus seems to be predominantly circulating within the UK.
It has already been detected in Northern Ireland with latest data from the Public Health Agency (PHA) reporting 10 cases of the new strain here in the past eight weeks.
Recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that Stratus has become the leading strain in England. Back in May, it represented just 10% of cases, yet now, XFG and XFG.3 makeup about 40% of them.
In the span from May 26 to June 8, about 28.9% of cases were categorised as XFG. 3 and 11.4% as XFG.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them.”
The Stratus Covid strain stands out due to a distinctive symptom – a hoarse voice, something which doesn’t generally come with other Covid strains.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a prominent Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice”. He said that the Stratus symptoms are mostly “mild to moderate”.
Medical professionals in India, currently grappling with a surge of the Stratus variant, have observed hoarseness as a prevalent symptom too, according to Wired. Those affected also experience a dry cough, sore throat, and typical Covid indicators like fever, muscle pains, and tiredness.
Despite increasing incidents of Stratus Covid, the Nimbus variant, officially labelled NB. 1.8.1, remains the most revalent strain globally. Nimbus is notorious for causing what’s been termed the “razor blade sensation” – an intense, piercing pain during swallowing.
The NHS lists standard Covid-19 symptoms that people should watch for:.
A high temperature or shivering (chills)A new, continuous coughA loss or change to your sense of smell or tasteShortness of breathFeeling tired or exhaustedAn aching body or a headacheA sore throat, blocked or runny noseLoss of appetite, feeling sick or being sickDiarrhoea
Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.