The Stratus variant is the latest to spread rapidly across the UK
A Covid variant is slipping under the radar, presenting symptoms that could easily be dismissed as the new strain rapidly spreads through the population.
Health experts recorded 1,541 new infections in England in the first week of September, with the Stratus variant (also known as XFG), believed to be behind a large number of new cases. It’s reportedly spreading among the UK population with unusual early warning signs.
The variant is surging quickly, now accounting for at least 30 per cent of Covid-19 cases in the UK, according to the UKHSA. The World Health Organization classifies Stratus as a “variant under monitoring”. It’s not thought to cause a more severe illness, but it can spread more quickly than earlier strains.
The strain presents with a subtle early symptom that people might dismiss rather than recognising as an illness. The most common early warning sign of Stratus is a hoarse or raspy voice, which then gives way to more commonly reported Covid indicators like a fever or a cough, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Harley Street GP Dr Kaywaan Khan said: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.”
Doctors have also noted a series of other symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throats, stomach upsets and fatigue. Infectious disease specialist Dr Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California San Francisco warned that Stratus presents a “wider range of symptoms” than previous variants.
He told SFGATE: “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.”
According to the HSE, official Covid guidance has not changed: “If you have any symptoms of Covid and feel unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. You do not need a Covid test unless a GP or health professional tells you to.”
In its advice, the NHS has provided a comprehensive list of traditional Covid-19 symptoms for Brits to be aware of.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills)
- a new, continuous coughrs
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but recovery can take longer. For some individuals, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can persist.
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