Cases of new ‘Frankenstein' Covid variant quadruple in weeks – as experts warn it could be most contagious yet

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CASES of a new 'Frankenstein' Covid variant - feared to super contagious - have quadrupled in a matter of weeks, officials warn.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the variant, dubbed 'Stratus', has become the dominant Covid strain in England.
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Experts say the new Covid variant could be causing a telltale symptom
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Making up 10 per cent of all Covid-19 cases in May, the variant accounted for 40 per cent of all infections by mid June - just three weeks later.
Experts warn Stratus could be more infectious than previous Covid variants, as it has mutations that help the virus dodge our immune system's defences.
Known scientifically as XFG, is what is known as a Frankenstein or "recombinant" strain - when a person gets infected with two Covid strains at once that combine to become a new hybrid variant.
Two versions of Stratus are currently in circulation: XFG and a spin-off XFG. 3.
Prof Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told MailOnline both are "rapidly spreading".
"The increased competitiveness of XFG and XFG.3 is likely due to new spike mutations which make these variants more able to evade the immune response," he said.
"Given that immunity to Covid is waning in the population due to a decline in uptake of the spring booster jab and the reduction of Covid infections in recent months, more people will be susceptible to infection with XFG and XFG.3.
"This could lead to a new wave of infection but it's difficult to predict the extent of this wave."
UKHSA wrote in its recent report: "In sequenced [Covid-19] samples, the most prevalent lineages were XFG and its sub-lineages."
But it's worth noting that the report showed overall Covid cases falling compared to recent weeks.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) also announced it was keeping an eye on Stratus.
In a recent report, it designated it as a "variant under monitoring with increasing proportions globally", now accounting for 22 per cent of cases recorded across the world.
The health watchdog estimated it would likely become the dominant global strain soon.
Stratus is a combination of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 Covid variants.
What to do if you get Covid
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, advised the best things to do if you test positive for Covid - as well as how to best protect yourself:
"If you test positive or have symptoms consistent with Covid, the advice remains to stay at home if you can, rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others — particularly those who are vulnerable.
"You don't need to inform your GP unless you're in a high-risk group or your symptoms worsen.
"Lateral flow tests can still be useful, and some people may qualify for antiviral treatment, so do check the latest NHS guidance if you're unsure.
"To prevent getting Covid, good hygiene practices go a long way - regular hand washing, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with others if you're feeling unwell.
"If you're eligible for a Covid booster, it's a good idea to take it. Ventilating indoor spaces and wearing masks in crowded settings can also help reduce the risk.
"It's all about layering protection, especially during periods when cases are on the rise."
When comparing Stratus to the previously dominant JN1 variant, the WHO said 'distinct mutational profiles in the spike protein can be identified".
The variant may better at evading our immune defences, it suggested.
But WHO officials noted: "Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the global level.
"Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease."
Stratus symptoms
By now, we're all familiar with common Covid symptoms, such as a high temperature, coughing, loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath.
Experts say Stratus could be causing a telltale symptom that differs from other variants.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK: 'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.
'Though the symptoms manifest differently and vary from person to person, the symptoms of Stratus tend to be mild to moderate.
'Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection.'