New COVID Variant 'Stratus' Raises Concerns Over Unusual Symptom
Experts in the UK have identified a new Covid variant named 'Stratus' that is causing alarm due to its potential to trigger a fresh wave of infections. This strain, scientifically known as XFG, is believed to be more contagious than previous variants, posing challenges to the immune system. While the severity of illness caused by Stratus remains uncertain, health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes. The variant has been designated as a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO, with a notable growth advantage over other strains.
Experts in the UK have warned of a new Covid variant called 'Stratus' that could drive a new wave of infections. Scientifically known as XFG, this strain is thought to be more infectious than the previous strains due to its mutations that help evade the immune system.
According to the data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus has now become the dominant COVID-19 strain in England, going from accounting for about 10% of all Covid cases in May to almost 40% of all cases in mid-June.
Stratus, a descendant of the Omicron strain, is a 'recombinant' strain that emerged when a person was infected with two Covid strains at once, creating a new hybrid variant. Both strains of Stratus - the original XFG and the spin-off XFG.3 - are 'rapidly spreading,' said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University.
Professor Young mentioned that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in booster jab uptake and recent reduction in Covid infections, making more people susceptible to infection with Stratus. However, it is difficult to predict the extent of a potential new wave of infections.
Currently, there is no evidence proving that Stratus causes more severe illness. Professor Young emphasized that getting a Covid vaccine is likely to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a 'variant under monitoring' with an overall low risk, but noted its significant growth advantage compared to other strains.
Most symptoms of Stratus are similar to previous strains, including shortness of breath, loss or change in smell or taste, fatigue, high temperature, cough, sore throat, headache, and more. Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP, highlighted hoarseness as a noticeable symptom of the Stratus variant, which tends to cause mild to moderate symptoms. If a person tests positive, they should isolate as Stratus is highly contagious.
According to the source: Times of India.
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