&w=3840&q=100)
Stratus Update: How XFG is likely to become the next dominant Covid variant
The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 which the Who declared a variant under monitoring. Representational image/Pixabay
Given the number of times this has happened already, it should come as little surprise that we're now faced with yet another new subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid.
This new subvariant is known as XFG (nicknamed ' Stratus') and the World Health Organization (Who) designated it a 'variant under monitoring' in late June. XFG is a subvariant of Omicron, of which there are now more than 1,000.
A 'variant under monitoring' signifies a variant or subvariant which needs prioritised attention and monitoring due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat compared to other circulating variants.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
XFG was one of seven variants under monitoring as of June 25. The most recent addition before XFG was NB.1.8.1 (nicknamed 'Nimbus'), which the Who declared a variant under monitoring on May 23.
Both nimbus and stratus are types of clouds.
Nimbus is currently the dominant subvariant worldwide – but Stratus is edging closer. So, what do you need to know about Stratus or XFG?
A recombinant variant
XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, which means these two subvariants have shared genetic material to come up with the new subvariant. Recombinants are designated with an X at the start of their name.
While recombination and other spontaneous changes happen often with SARS-CoV-2, it becomes a problem when it creates a subvariant that is changed in such a way that its properties cause more problems for us.
Most commonly, this means the virus looks different enough that protection from past infection (and vaccination) doesn't work so well, called immune evasion. This basically means the population becomes more susceptible and can lead to an increase in cases, and even a whole new wave of Covid infections across the world.
XFG has four key mutations in the spike protein, a protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, which allows it to attach to our cells. Some are believed to enhance evasion by certain antibodies.
Early laboratory studies have suggested a nearly two-fold reduction in how well antibodies block the virus compared to LP.8.1.1.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Where is XFG spreading?
The earliest XFG sample was collected on January 27.
As of June 22, there were 1,648 XFG sequences submitted to GISAID from 38 countries ( GISAID is the global database used to track the prevalence of different variants around the world). This represents 22.7 per cent of the globally available sequences at the time.
The advice for combating Covid remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible. Representational image/Pixabay
This was a significant rise from 7.4 per cent four weeks prior and only just below the proportion of NB.1.8.1 at 24.9 per cent. Given the now declining proportion of viral sequences of NB.1.8.1 overall, and the rapid rise of XFG, it would seem reasonable to expect XFG to become dominant very soon.
According to Australian data expert Mike Honey, the countries showing the highest rates of detection of XFG as of mid-June include India at more than 50 per cent, followed by Spain at 42 per cent, and the United Kingdom and United States, where the subvariant makes up more than 30 per cent of cases.
In Australia, as of June 29, NB.1.8.1 was the dominant subvariant, accounting for 48.6 per cent of sequences. In the most recent report from Australia's national genomic surveillance platform, there were 24 XFG sequences, with 12 collected in the last 28 days, meaning it currently comprises approximately 5 per cent of sequences.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The big questions
When we talk about a new subvariant, people often ask questions, including if it's more severe or causes new or different symptoms compared to previous variants. But we're still learning about XFG and we can't answer these questions with certainty yet.
Some sources have reported XFG may be more likely to cause 'hoarseness' or a scratchy or raspy voice. But we need more information to know if this association is truly significant.
Notably, there's no evidence to suggest XFG causes more severe illness compared to other variants in circulation or that it is necessarily any more transmissible.
Will vaccines still work against XFG?
Relatively frequent changes to the virus mean we have continued to update the Covid vaccines. The most recent update, which targets the JN.1 subvariant, became available in Australia from late 2024. XFG is a descendant of the JN.1 subvariant.
Fortunately, based on the evidence available so far, currently approved Covid vaccines are expected to remain effective against XFG, particularly against symptomatic and severe disease.
Because of SARS-CoV-2's continued evolution, the effect of this on our immune response, as well as the fact that protection from Covid vaccines declines over time, Covid vaccines are offered regularly and recommended for those at the highest risk.
One of the major challenges we face at present in Australia is low Covid vaccine uptake. While rates have increased somewhat recently, they remain relatively low, with aged 75 years and over having received a vaccine in the past six months. Vaccination rates in younger age groups are significantly lower.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Although the situation with XFG must continue to be monitored, at present the Who has assessed the global risk posed by this subvariant as low. The advice for combating Covid remains unchanged, including vaccination as recommended and the early administration of antivirals for those who are eligible.
Measures to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and focusing on air quality and ventilation, are worth remembering to protect against Covid and other viral infections.
Paul Griffin, Professor, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Queensland
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Issue guidelines within three months for safe collection, transport of medical samples, Delhi HC tells Centre
In a move that could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and patient safety, the Delhi High Court has directed the Union government to notify long-pending minimum standards in the collection of medical samples or specimens by laboratories and collection centres, and guidelines to transport them, within the next three months. The order, if implemented, could help curb inaccuracy in test reports, especially when the samples are collected from the home of a patient, experts said. It could also reduce unsafe handling of biological specimens, and treatment errors caused by degraded samples, potentially saving lives, they added. Currently, India lacks specific regulations governing how medical samples, such as blood, urine, or swabs, are collected, stored, and transported to diagnostic laboratories. This regulatory gap has led to widespread inconsistencies, particularly with private labs and home sample collection services that operate without strict oversight. Wrong results 'Patients often assume their test results are scientifically reliable. But when samples are exposed to extreme heat or delayed in reaching the lab, the entire result can become invalid — without anyone realising it,' Dr. Rohit Jain, who had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue in 2019, said. 'Wrong results lead to wrong treatment. That's not just unethical — it's dangerous,' Dr. Jain said. The High Court, while hearing Dr. Jain's plea on July 18, recorded the Union Health Ministry's assurance that the draft minimum standards, which the Ministry said had already been approved by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), were in advanced stages of being notified. The plea, filed through advocate Mrinmoi Chatterjee, stated that despite the directions of the Delhi HC in January 2023, no guidelines on minimum standards for sample collection had been formulated by the Centre. The Health Ministry, in its latest status report to the court, said the draft minimum standards were currently undergoing legal vetting by the Legislative Department of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. The Ministry said four expert sub-committees had been formed with specialists in pathology, biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology to formulate 'minimum standards for sample collection and sample transport policy'. Once approved by the National Council for Clinical Establishments, after public consultation, the process of publishing the guidelines in the The Gazette of India would be initiated. The Ministry additionally said two guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV) during the COVID-19 pandemic were currently in place which, when read in conjunction with the draft minimum standards, offer comprehensive laboratory guidance in maintaining biosafety and ensuring quality specimen handling. But Dr. Jain remains sceptical. 'These draft standards have been stuck for two years. Meanwhile, nothing has changed on the ground,' he said. 'There are aggregators and collection agents who have no medical training, collecting samples from people's homes. They don't refrigerate them, don't process them in time, and no one is tracking how long it takes before the sample reaches the lab,' Dr. Jain said, when asked why private laboratories should self-regulate. According to him, there are well-established scientific windows within which samples must be analysed —sometimes within 30 to 60 minutes of collection. 'In Delhi's 45°C heat, a delay of even a few hours can completely distort test results. But the government has no binding standard for this. So why would private labs regulate themselves?' he said. The ICMR has issued specific guidelines for transporting specimens related to high-risk pathogens and samples for COVID-19, but those, he said, were limited in scope and not enforceable across all clinical establishments. 'Lab test results influence over 70% of treatment decisions globally. When they are wrong, they harm patients and erode trust in the medical system,' Dr. Jain added. 'There is no law specifically [for sample collection and transport], which is why this petition was filed. We want guidelines to be released by the government,' Alok Ahuja, former Professor of Pathology, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, told The Hindu. 'The quality of samples must be maintained and guidelines must be instituted. To have a law is the need of the hour,' he added. 'I am very happy that the court has been very positive to the demands of the pathologist that a law must be instituted,' Dr. Ahuja said.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Is your Vitamin, magnesium supplement really the magic pill you think it is? Experts reveal truths behind India's new health obsession
The Arora family in a plush condominium of Noida believes an apple is simply not enough to keep the doctor away. Ever since COVID-19 instilled the idea of immunity, they have built their safety dome to disperse every bug coming their way, with a wellness store in the premises addressing all their fears and concerns. Naveen Arora, 52, has been on shilajit supplement for reverse-ageing and energy. His mother Ashalata, 75, still swears by ashwagandha capsules post her Covid near-death scare, hoping her lungs can breathe better. Wife Prerna Sharma has been on Vitamin D supplements for bones and magnesium oil massage for insomnia. Teen daughter Aradhana takes biotin gummies for her thinning hair and collagen powder for shapely nails. And they all pop multivitamins. The catch? None of them has ever consulted a doctor on whether they need these health boosters at all, relying instead on pharmacists, peer groups and social media-driven advisories. None of the benefits these supplements claim is supported by clinical trials. Most aren't even regulated. Worse, the Aroras still fall sick every season as before. Last week, Naveen was shocked to discover elevated liver enzymes despite not drinking alcohol or having fatty liver. 'That was the side effect of shilajit,' he says. Prerna ended up with more muscle cramps than ever. 'I kept taking the daily Vitamin D pills, thinking my pain was symptomatic of a deficiency. I didn't get tested or know I was supposed to stop in between,' she says. 'It's not that you won't need vitamins ever. But you need to get tested first and go to a doctor who is best placed to guide you on their usage,' says Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, Delhi. Preventive healthcare is being misinterpreted by Indians across age groups. It is seen as a magic pill that can eliminate the need for doctors and gives them agency over their bodies. That's the promise that beckons everyone as they walk into a pharmacy that has aisles glistening with Omega 3 globule jars, collagen creams and capsules, fat-burner and protein powders, the sugar-lowering lauki and jamun juice, magnesium gummies and vitamins, the many colours and letters of which you didn't know. Like you have uncorked the boring B complex syrup bottle to release hidden powers. In attractive packages and with reassuring claims, health supplements are redrawing the contours of new age consumerism, preying on your fear and anxiety of disease and fluffing up an illusion of security. On the pretext of developing health awareness, the supplement industry is building a culture of dependence instead of encouraging you to make actual changes in your lifestyle and diet. It bleeds you insidiously while letting you think that you are saving up on the doctor's fee and medical bills. That's tempting. And that's why the global supplement industry is projected to be a $200 billion juggernaut by 2025. The Indian health supplements market is projected to reach $16.42 billion by 2032, according to Market Research Future. The dietary supplement market is projected to reach $10,198.57 million by 2026, according to estimates by the Food Processing Industry in India. 'The push for promoting and marketing supplements comes from the industry which seeks a shortcut from science to commerce, ignoring the fact that individual nutrients packed in a pill or pouch cannot replicate the goodness of multiple nutrients present in a food item. These balance, modify and modulate each other's actions. We need agriculture and food policies which provide wholesome foods rather than a hardsell of illusory quick fixes,' says public health expert and cardiologist Dr K Srinath Reddy, professor at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). Dr Reddy finds that dietary supplements, being marketed as nutraceuticals, are irrational or unnecessary with some being even harmful to health. 'A diverse, balanced diet will provide most of the nutrients we need while a healthy gut microbiome, which is nurtured by dietary fibre, manufactures some essential vitamins. A beneficial interaction between phytonutrients, present in natural fruit and vegetables, is usually absent in supplements,' he says. He even cites clinical trials of antioxidant supplements which showed no benefit for heart disease prevention (Vitamin E, Vitamin C) or even harm (beta carotene) while cohort studies with natural foods showed benefits. 'Protein supplements overload the kidneys if injudiciously consumed by body builders,' he says. Dr Tickoo has seen too many cases of supplement overdose. He recounts how a 25-year-old patient was admitted with kidney failure after a Vitamin D overdose. 'Calcium levels spiked dangerously in his blood, which constricted the blood vessels of the kidneys. Excess calcium led to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia. He needed dialysis, steroids and days at the ICU.' Another case involved a 68-year-old woman self-dosing on Vitamin D for joint pain, unaware she needed a blood test to assess levels. 'Sunlight suffices for most. Supplementation is advised only under certain health conditions or for the elderly with malabsorption issues, that too for a certain period. A serum level of more than 100 ng/ml (nanograms per millilitre) is toxic. A daily vitamin D intake of more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) is dangerous,' says Dr Tickoo. Fertility specialist Dr Mannan Gupta of Elantis Healthcare, Delhi, recently had a 34-year-old man, who had self-medicated himself with shilajit as he had been trying to conceive with his partner for over two years. 'For nearly a year, he consumed unregulated doses. Not only did that fail to resolve his underlying condition, it affected his liver. What he needed was a minor surgery, lifestyle changes, hormonal support and antioxidants. Over the next six months, his semen parameters showed significant improvement. Within a year of guided treatment, the couple conceived naturally,' he says. Protein supplements continue to be misused the most. Dr Deepak Kumar Chithralli, nephrologist at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, hospitalised a 30-year-old man who had consumed 250 grams of protein daily to build muscle on the advice of his trainer. 'A healthy adult needs only 55-60 grams unless they are athletes. He had body ache, so he took OTC painkillers. This cocktail caused kidney damage. He required dialysis and IV hydration.' He sees many gym enthusiasts, who take steroids on the advice of their trainers and end up in the emergency. 'Get this: you can get your required protein in two portions of either animal and plant proteins. That portion has to be a palmful or a quarter of your plate,' he says. Turmeric capsules — concentrated with 95 per cent curcumin compared to three per cent in natural turmeric — have also triggered liver problems. If stores in Delhi are a microcosm of popular choice, then the top-selling supplements are immunity boosters, vitamins, protein powders, creatine (for muscle building), ashwagandha, shilajit and biotin. But magnesium is the new king as supplements fly off the shelves rapidly. 'Yet magnesium is not needed at all because you can get it from a balanced diet. Only those with diabetes, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS), heart arrhythmia, osteoarthritis, absorption issues and the elderly may need it. When taken in very large amounts (greater than 350 mg daily), magnesium is unsafe, triggering irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, confusion and slowed breathing. Most important, extra magnesium interferes with the absorption of certain drugs like antibiotics and those recommended for diabetes,' warns Dr Tickoo. People often end up having a cocktail of supplements without realising that they could be working at cross purposes with each other. 'Calcium blocks the absorption of iron, zinc blocks copper. So taking high doses of one nutrient can actually cause a deficiency in another if you don't ask a doctor,' says Dr Tickoo. Such is the hype around magnesium for sleep that most people, as Dr Rakesh Gupta, internal medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, found out, take the wrong compound. 'Magnesium oxide is one of the most commonly available forms. Unfortunately, it's poorly absorbed and acts like a laxative. So people land up in the OPD with diarrhoea,' he says. He even lists the compounds and their uses. Magnesium glycinate relaxes the nervous system and improves sleep quality. Magnesium threonate eases brain fog, magnesium malate is for chronic fatigue, citrate supports digestion and helps with constipation. Meanwhile, magnesium taurate supports normal blood pressure. 'Many people make the mistake of focusing only on magnesium, forgetting that certain nutrients help it work better. You need Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D3 for better absorption. Taking zinc or calcium supplements along with magnesium at the same time can interfere with its absorption. It's best to stagger them by a few hours,' adds Dr Gupta. Dr Tickoo crosses out biotin and detox teas altogether as he does vitamin C and multi-vitamin infusions. 'IV drips are the worst aberration of supplement use as high levels damage organs, trigger infections and blood clots at the injection site,' he warns. Extra vitamin C and E, particularly through supplementation, can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and nausea. While both are antioxidants, taking very high doses do not offer additional benefits and could interfere with the body's natural antioxidants. Chennai-based Krishna Ganpathy, 38, says she relied on peer chatter to try out magnesium. 'Everyone around me swore by it, especially in office and walking groups. I even checked advice online, including AI tools. But my doctor later clarified most studies were small, unverified and inconclusive,' she says. Dr Tickoo blames misinformation on social media and gym culture. 'Online testimonials may have been the result of paid partnerships. Inexperienced trainers recommend muscle-building creatine without blood work or fitness tests. It leads to bloating,' he says. The surge in supplement use is directly linked to a post-COVID health consciousness and rising lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver and cancer. 'Supplements feel like a quick fix, a shield. Online platforms make them easily accessible and you get them delivered at your doorstep. That ease matters, ' says Dr Sanjeev Sharma, clinical pharmacologist and medical advisor at Apollo Research and Innovations. The elderly fuel the demand for bone, heart and cognitive health products. 'The emphasis on plant-based diets is driving demand for plant-derived proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal products,' he explains. That's why even organised players like Apollo, Sun Pharma, Zydus and Dr Reddy's now command 30–40 per cent of the nutraceutical market, with smaller brands and international entrants following suit. Major brands claim scientific backing for their products. But regulation is thin. In India, dietary supplements fall under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with guidance from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 'There are recommended permissible limits of ingredients to be used. The manufacturing units must have a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certificate and adhere to licensing and labelling norms. The FSSAI even monitors standards and ad campaigns of the products, ensuring they do not make dramatic claims like a cure. Even the smallest of claims should be backed by big data sets. You can't say we saw results in five or 10 per cent of subjects,' says Dr Sharma. Yet, reports of contamination with heavy metals and poor ingredient control — especially in herbal products — persist. That's why Dr Sharma suggests a risk categorisation for supplements at the policy level. 'High-risk items should be prescription-only. This will curb misuse,' he says. India may be mimicking the supplement boom in the West but that happened because of expensive healthcare and limited accessibility to doctors at the primary level. 'In India, doctors are more available, even at the primary care level. That's why we must base choices on medical advice,' reasons Dr Sharma. Supplements can never lessen the disease burden. Clinical researchers are working around the world on thousands of molecules and compounds that can have therapeutic uses. Only a few make it to clinical trials and fewer to an acceptable, viable medicine. Supplements are even lower on the pecking order. 'Is it worth waiting for such a miracle?', asks Dr Tickoo.
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
SHUT clinic's parent group on technology addiction gets about 5,000 registrations
Within two months of starting a parent group for management of technology addiction of their children, the SHUT Clinic at NIHMANS Centre for Well Being has received around 5,000 registrations from across the country. Doctors at the clinic, which focuses on addressing problems arising from excessive screen use and internet addiction, have already trained more than 1,000 parents in effective techniques to manage their children's screen-related issues. Manoj Kumar Sharma, professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, who also heads the SHUT Clinic at NIMHANS, said the online training series was launched from May end to help parents manage their children's excessive screen use and related behavioural issues. Redesigned 'Initially, we started the training with sessions spanning over four Saturdays on Zoom. But, following the overwhelming response, we have now redesigned the sessions and reduced the duration to two Saturdays. This is to ensure all those who have registered under the parent group are covered at the earliest,' Dr. Sharma said. The structured sessions guide parents on setting boundaries, fostering healthy offline activities, and identifying signs of problematic technology use. The high demand for these sessions, Dr. Sharma said, highlights the growing concern among parents about the impact of gadgets and screens on their children's mental health and well-being. Given the overwhelming demand, the SHUT clinic is working on scaling up capacity to reach out to all registered parents and also accommodate more in the coming months. 'We are working on developing online modules and training more facilitators to help parents implement practical strategies to promote healthy technology habits at home. We are not just addressing a child's behaviour but fostering healthier family dynamics,' the doctor said. Helplessness Clinical psychologists and research scholars at SHUT clinic, Neha John and Ahsana T.H., who are among those who provide the online training sessions to parents, said most commonly the participants expressed helplessness as they are unable to handle the addiction in their children. 'We have parents telling us they feel helpless as children refuse to spend family time. They express difficulty in handling their teenagers, who are glued to screens late into the night or become aggressive when asked to log off,' said Ms. John. The sessions are designed to empower families to address these issues without resorting to confrontation. 'We advise parents on setting consistent rules for screen time, designating device-free zones and hours at home, encouraging outdoor play, hobbies, and family interactions. It is most important to understand the psychological triggers behind excessive screen use,' Ms. Ahsana said. Post-pandemic Although the SHUT Clinic has been seeing cases of technology addiction since its inception in 2014, there has been a sharp rise in families seeking help during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Increased online schooling, social isolation, and easy access to smartphones and tablets left many children and adolescents deeply entrenched in unhealthy digital habits,' Dr. Sharma said. 'We also help parents reflect on their own technology habits. Children often emulate what they see. If parents are on their phones constantly, it is harder to enforce limits. Technology itself is not the enemy. It is about balance,' he added. Interested parents can contact NIMHANS Centre for Well-Being (NCWB) on (080) 26685948, 94808 29670; Over 40 calls a month on Digital Detox helpline The Digital Detox helpline - 9480829675 - run by the SHUT clinic, which receives about 30 to 40 calls every month, has emerged as a crucial support system for those grappling with problematic technology use Mr. Manoj Kumar Sharma said its consistent call volume indicates not just the helpline's popularity but also the increasing recognition of screen addiction as a serious mental health concern. Callers include students, working professionals, and anxious parents seeking help for their children, all of whom turn to the helpline for practical strategies to limit screen time, cope with withdrawal symptoms, and rebuild offline connections.
