XFG 'Stratus' COVID-19 variant spreading fast: One unique symptom that distinguishes it from others
With a noticeable rise in cases, which has been detected in 38 countries, experts are keeping a close watch. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially placed Stratus under its list of Variants Under Monitoring (VUM). What makes this variant different? How severe is it? And what symptoms are being observed so far? Here's all we need to know about the new variant.
What is the Stratus (XFG) variant?
Stratus is a recombinant subvariant of the Omicron lineage, meaning it's a blend formed when a person is infected with two different Covid strains at the same time.
Specifically, Stratus is a hybrid of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, two other Omicron subvariants. Recombinant strains like this typically begin with the letter X, hence the name XFG.
What sets Stratus apart is its mutations in the spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it latch onto human cells. According to a Lancet report and data shared via the GISAID platform, this variant has been found in over 38 countries as of late June 2025, with nearly 1,648 genome sequences submitted globally.
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Despite this spread, it's important to note: the WHO has assessed the global public health risk of Stratus as low, which means there's no current indication that it causes more severe illness than previous strains.
Symptoms to know: Is Stratus showing new signs?
What makes the Stratus variant stand out symptom-wise isn't how severe it is, but how subtly different it behaves. Much like earlier Omicron variants, symptoms are generally mild, especially in people who are vaccinated.
However, one particular symptom is drawing attention, which is the hoarseness or a raspy voice. This symptom has emerged more frequently in Stratus cases than in other recent Covid variants. It's thought to be due to the way this variant targets the upper respiratory tract.
Other mild symptoms observed include:
Scratchy throat
Nasal congestion
Fatigue
Low-grade fever
Muscle aches
But unlike earlier strains, loss of smell or taste is seen to be less common with Stratus. Still, symptoms can differ from one person to another. Testing remains key to confirming the infection.
Spread and
immune evasion
: Why Stratus is under watch
One of the reasons scientists are closely examining Stratus is its ability to bypass the immune system. The changes in its spike protein allow it to partially avoid antibodies from previous infections or vaccines.
This is not proof that immunisations are ineffective; WHO verifies that current vaccines continue to protect against serious disease and hospitalisation, even with Stratus in circulation. However, the virus can still cause illnesses, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
Caution is always wise, but panic isn't supported by current data.
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