Early sign you have new Covid 'Stratus' variant as vaccine alert issued

A new strain of Covid is spreading rapidly, but its symptoms have a key difference to be aware of.

There has been a growing concern over the spread of the new Covid strain, known as 'Stratus', which has two variants, XFG and XFG.3. It was first discovered in January of this year, and by June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared XFG to be 'under monitoring' due to its 'increasing proportions globally'.

By 3 September, the UK Health Security Agency reported a 7.1% rise in coronavirus cases across England compared with the previous week, although it's unclear how many have been affected by the XFG strain.

Health experts in Ireland also recorded 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the XFG variant said to be behind the vast majority of new cases.

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In general, symptoms of Covid often resemble those of common respiratory illnesses such as the flu, with a fever, cough, sneezing or a runny nose. Symptoms vary from case to case, with some experiencing minor to severe signs.

However, the most common initial sign of Stratus is a hoarse or raspy voice, which can come before more traditional Covid symptoms. Due to its uncommon early indicator, it can be easily overlooked.

Medical experts have also recorded a host of additional symptoms, including blocked noses, painful throats, digestive issues and exhaustion.

Dr Nye told the Mirror: "In most ways, it's almost identical. However, people with this version tend to get very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with the other more general symptoms like cough, temperature and aches.

"Illnesses always see spikes as children go back to school, as close contact and often lower personal hygiene levels mix."

He added: "This version is more likely to make you sick, however, as they appear to be able to avoid your immune system even if you've had it before. [This] makes prior vaccines less useful, which makes regular vaccination against the latest coronavirus even more important. Think of it like updating your phone to get the best possible experience."

Infectious disease expert Dr Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco, also cautioned that Stratus displays a "wider range of symptoms" compared to earlier variants.

Speaking to SFGATE, he explained: "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."