New Covid strain Stratus is spreading fast
As we approach the chillier months, many Brits will be grappling with seasonal ailments as autumn colds and flu make their annual appearance. However, experts have now issued a warning about a triple threat due to a spike in cases caused by a new Covid strain. Known for causing a hoarse voice – an unusual initial symptom – individuals who have contracted the new variant have shared their experiences.
The new Covid strain, dubbed Stratus, has been spreading rapidly with two variants: XFG and XFG. 3. In the UK, there’s been a significant increase in confirmed Covid cases, with data showing that within a week, it has jumped from 7.6 per cent to 8.4 per cent. Moreover, the XFG.3 variant accounted for around 40 per cent of Covid cases in the UK as of June, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
As Covid cases continue to rise worldwide, one woman has detailed her symptoms and experience after testing positive for the virus earlier this month. Despite having had Covid several times before, she described this instance as the “worst it’s ever been”, reports the Mirror.
In a TikTok video, Nev (@nivismad) revealed that she began feeling unwell on 30 August with a “little bit of congestion” and one side of her nose was “blocked”. She added: “Then my throat was a little bit scratchy.”
The following day, she was “still congested but nothing crazy”, however, things took a turn for the worse in the evening. Describing her alarming symptoms, she said: “When I went to bed that night, my teeth were hurting, my jaw was hurting, and my head hurt really bad.”
The most commonly reported first symptom of the new Stratus strain is a hoarse or raspy voice, a key difference from previous Covid variants. Medical experts have also noted that further Stratus symptoms can include blocked noses, sore throats, digestive issues and exhaustion.
Nev’s symptoms persisted into the next day as she explained she suffered from “debilitating fatigue”, and “couldn’t stand” because she felt so “exhausted”. Later that day, she was suffering from “major body aches and major chills” and shared, “I was so uncomfortable”.
Explaining her symptoms, she said: “I have had Covid quite a few times. It’s been a year or two since I’ve had it last, but this is the worst it’s ever been.” She shared the video a couple of days into her illness, and said she was “still exhausted” and that “standing up is work”.
Ned added: “Luckily I can taste and smell and I have no cough, but my god these are the worst body aches/chills I’ve ever had in my life. Stay safe out there y’all. I am also pretty sure I got it from a woman on my flight to Mexico, because she was sitting behind me on the way there and was coughing the entire time with no mask on.”
Fortunately, Nev made a full recovery and was back in the gym within a few days. However, the video sparked comments from others who had experienced similar Covid symptoms, unlike anything they’d encountered before.
One person commented: “The teeth pain was terrible! ! Never had that symptom til this time around.”
Another remarked: “I had all this then the worst sore throat I’ve ever experienced just kicked in i don’t know what is going on i feel like im swallowing knives. I started with a scratchy throat, then sneezing and runny nose. day 7 and I have the same fatigue you talked about. I am dizzy. is actually scary,” another user noted. While another added: “Teeth pain, body aches, headache it sucksss.”
Typically, Covid symptoms are similar to those of common respiratory illnesses like the flu, including fever, cough, sneezing or a runny nose. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual, so it’s easy to mistake Covid for a common cold.
Regarding the new Covid strain, Stratus, 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.”
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