The new Covid variant, officially known as XFG, has a unique symptom
Experts have revealed a unique symptom of the new Covid variant(Image: Getty Images)
A new Covid-19 variant with a unique symptom is spreading across the globe.
Nicknamed the Stratus variant, the XFG strain of the virus and its spin-off, XFG.3, now make up nearly a quarter of global cases and around 40 per cent of cases in England.
Stratus was declared a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on June 25, meaning it needs prioritised attention due to characteristics of the variant that may pose an additional threat.
There is some evidence to suggest that mutations on the virus make it better at evading immunity from antibodies developed from the Covid vaccine and previous infections. This means it might be harder for our bodies’ defences to fight it off.
However, the WHO has said there is currently no evidence to suggest the variant poses additional health risks compared to previous strains of the virus. It ranks the variant’s overall risk as “low”.
A new Covid strain is spreading across the globe(Image: PA)Stratus Covid is circulating in the UK
The latest data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown that the Stratus variant is now the dominant strain in England. In May, it made up 10 per cent of cases in England. However, XFG and XFG.3 currently account for around 40 per cent of cases.
Between May 26 and June 8, 28.9 per cent of cases were classified as XFG.3 and 11.4 per cent were classified 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.”
Experts have shared the common symptoms of the latest Covid variant(Image: Getty Images/Onoky)Symptoms of Stratus Covid to look out for
The Stratus strain is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice, which is not typical of other Covid strains.
“One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice”, Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK. In general, he said the symptoms of Stratus tend to be “mild to moderate”.
Doctors in India, where the Stratus variant is dominant, have also noted that hoarseness is a common symptom, reports Wired. Patients also report a dry cough, sore throat, and other common Covid symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
While levels of Stratus Covid are growing, the dominant strain globally remains the Nimbus variant, known officially as NB.1.8.1. This variant is known for its painful symptom called “razor blade sensation” – a sharp, stabbing pain when you swallow.
The NHS says the common symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills)
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- An aching body or a headache
- A sore throat, blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick
- Diarrhoea