What Is Stratus? New COVID Variant Sparks Alarm Across US; Patients Report Hoarse Voice, Persistent Cough

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July, the new variant Stratus (XFG) has accounted for 14% of all US cases, making it the most-prevalent strain after NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%).

COVID-19, which started in the year 2020, is here to stay; the question now is how we continue to manage the virus. As the world battles a constant variety of new health threats, what has recently taken the centre stage is a new COVID variant known as 'Stratus', rapidly spreading across the United States. Currently, health officials in the US are on high alert to prevent an outbreak of the new virus.

The new COVID-19 variant 'Stratus' is also known by the name 'XFG'. It was first found in January in Southeast Asia, and for months, it flew under the radar in the States with barely any reported cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global health risk of the new variant is 'low' and the COVID-19 vaccines are still "expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease."

What Is Stratus (XFG)?

The new COVID-19 variant Stratus (XFG) is a combination of earlier variants, i.e., F.7 and LP.8.1.2, the latter of which is currently the second most prominent strain in the U.S.

Dr. Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, was reported telling a leading media outlet that, "There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants. Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant."

How Fast Is The New COVID-19 Variant Stratus (XFG) Spreading?

Although the new variant is yet to become the predominant source of infection in the US, XFG has been growing and spreading worldwide. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of July, the new variant has accounted for 14% of all US cases, making it the most-prevalent strain after NB.1.8.1 (43%) and LP.8.1 (31%).

Symptoms Of Stratus (XFG)

Internet users claim that the new variant causes hoarseness. But so far, there has been no evidence that XFG causes any distinct symptoms. The CDC outlines some common signs that XFG patients may experience:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or a runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

The CDC also recommends visiting your doctor immediately if you show symptoms like:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds, and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue