...it has one weird symptom you can’t ignore
A new variant of Covid, known as the ‘Stratus’ strain, has been causing havoc recently, and it comes with a unique symptom that distinguishes it from other strains.
Previously referred to as the XFG variant, health experts are worried about Stratus due to its potential to evade immunity more effectively than earlier versions of the virus.
The strain has spread to at least 38 countries, including the United States, and is spreading widely alongside the Nimbus variant.
The variant’s capacity to infect those who have previously contracted the virus and those who have been vaccinated is the primary source of worry surrounding Stratus.
About 22.7 percent of Covid samples from the last week of May were Stratus, which reflects a 7.4 percent spike from four weeks earlier, according to Gisaid, a global group tracking viral variant spreads.
Currently, there are two sub variants of Stratus in circulation: XFG and XFG. The World Health Organization has categorized Stratus as a “variant under monitoring” as cases rise.
But what signs should you look out for with this new Covid strain, and what is its one distinctive symptom?
*Here’s everything you need to know*
Be on the lookout for symptoms of the New Covid Variant ‘Stratus’. There’s a telltale sign that you might have contracted the Stratus variant of Covid—a distinct, hoarse and raspy voice.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a general practitioner, highlighted a notable symptom of the new Covid strain: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.”
According to the doctor, symptoms are typically “mild to moderate” with the Stratus variant, while other signs mirror those of former Covid variations.
The NHS lists other potential Covid symptoms, apart from the distinct raspy and hoarse voice as:
1. A high temperature or shivering (chills)
2. A new, continuous cough
3. A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
4. Shortness of breath
5. Feeling tired or exhausted
6. An aching body or a headache
7. A sore throat, blocked or runny nose
8. Loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick
9. Diarrhea
Offering advice, Dr. Khan cautioned those with a positive test result: “If you test positive, Stratus is highly contagious, and it is advised to stay home and isolate to avoid spreading to others.”
With the emergence of yet another variant dubbed “Nimbus”, believed to be even more infectious than its predecessors, the risk remains prevalent.
In the event of any Covid-like symptoms, prompt self-testing and isolation are recommended to contain the spread of these new variants.