Signs you may have new Covid strain Stratus that has identifiable symptom
A new variant of Covid has been ravaging the UK in recent weeks, and it presents one unusual symptom that sets it apart from other strains. Formerly known as the XFG variant, the 'Stratus' strain of Covid is concerning health experts who believe it may be better at evading immunity than previous strains of the virus.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that Stratus is currently the leading Covid strain in England. The variant's ability to infect individuals who have already had the virus and those who are vaccinated is the leading cause for concern surrounding Stratus.
In May, Stratus accounted for 10 per cent of all Covid cases, but by mid-June, this figure had risen to 40 per cent. There are two subvariants of Stratus currently in circulation: XFG and XFG.3.
The World Health Organisation has classified Stratus as a 'variant under monitoring'. This means that the organisation is closely observing the spread of the strain, which currently represents 22 per cent of all cases globally.
Although exact numbers of Stratus cases in Scotland are unclear, the country's Covid surveillance data shows that as of the week ending June 29, there were 228 diagnosed Covid cases altogether.
The average number of inpatients in Scottish hospitals with Covid for the week ending June 29 was 116.
But what are the indicators of this new Covid strain, and what is its one identifiable symptom? Here's everything you need to know.
Signs you may have the new Covid variant Stratus
The new strain of Covid has one unique symptom that sets it apart from other variants of the virus- a hoarse and raspy voice.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, shared with Cosmopolitan UK that "one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice."
Its symptoms were described as 'mild to moderate' by the health professional, and other signs of Stratus are similar to that of other Covid strains.
The NHS explains that symptoms of Covid can include:
A high temperature or shivering (chills)
A new, continuous cough
A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or exhausted
An aching body or a headache
A sore throat, blocked or runny nose
Loss of appetite, feeling sick or being sick
Diarrhoea
Dr Khan advised: "If you test positive, Stratus is highly contagious, and it is advised to stay home and isolate to avoid spreading to others."
Another strain of Covid that recently emerged is known as the 'Nimbus' variant, that is also thought to be more contagious than previous versions of the virus.
If you have any symptoms of Covid, it is advised to self-test and to stay home to avoid spreading these new strains further.
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