A healthcare expert has raised concerns about a new COVID-19 strain named Stratus, warning that it may evade vaccine-induced immunity and increase infection risk across age groups.
The Stratus strain, officially classified under the SARS-CoV-2 variants XFG and XFG.3, is currently spreading rapidly in the United Kingdom, with signs of global transmission. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these two variants now account for around 30 per cent of COVID-19 cases in England, with XFG.3 emerging as the dominant variant.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Stratus variant contributed to 23 per cent of global COVID-19 cases as of last month.
What makes this strain different?
One of the most unusual symptoms is a hoarse voice, which doctors say hasn’t been commonly seen with earlier variants. “Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein, which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” said Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street general practitioner and founder of Hannah London Clinic.
Who is most at risk of the COVID-19 new strain?
Experts believe that falling immunity in the population is another reason the virus is spreading. As booster vaccination rates decline and natural infections become less frequent, more people may be vulnerable to the newer variants, including Stratus.
This could increase the risk of a fresh wave of infections, especially among those with weakened immune systems or those who haven’t had recent booster shots.
Dr. Khan warns that people of all age groups and genders could be susceptible if the variant continues to spread unchecked.
Other variants are still in circulation
While Stratus dominates, other COVID-19 variants are also circulating, such as the Nimbus strain (NB.1.8.1). This variant, linked to the Omicron family, spread across China and Hong Kong and has now been reported in the USA and Australia. Patients infected with Nimbus reported sharp, razor-blade-like sore throats, according to UKHSA.
Symptoms of COVID-19’s new strain
Doctors recommend keeping an eye on a few newer or unusual COVID-19 symptoms, particularly:
- Persistent Low-Grade Fever: A steady temperature between 37.6 degrees Celsius to 38.1 degrees Celsius (99.6-100.5 degrees Fahrenheit) could signal an infection with the newer JN.1 variant. Patients often report mild tiredness and a lingering warm sensation.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: More cases are now showing digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite, more severe than what was seen in earlier waves.
Health authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation, but experts stress the importance of booster vaccinations, early testing, and masking in crowded spaces, especially with the emergence of variants like Stratus that may be more evasive.