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Signs you may have new Covid variant Stratus that has one 'identifiable symptom'

Signs you may have new Covid variant Stratus that has one 'identifiable symptom'

Another new Covid variant has been confirmed in Ireland, with experts warning it is spreading rapidly across the globe.
The Stratus strain, which includes sub-lineages XFG and XFG.3, is now under close watch by Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) due to a sharp rise in cases.
According to the latest data, Stratus now accounts for 49.9% of all sequenced Covid cases in Ireland, a significant surge from just 16.1% a month ago.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a "variant under monitoring" and has urged global health agencies to track its spread and potential impact.
While Stratus does not appear to cause more severe illness, experts warn that it may be more contagious, with symptoms that can catch people off guard.
One standout symptom has been noted by doctors: a hoarse or 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."
Ireland's public health guidelines remain the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid.
The HSE is reminding the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include:
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