A doctor has revealed the signs that you may have the new COVID strain, as the highly contagious disease sweeps through countries around the world.
If you thought that COVID was so 2020, it might be time to think again.
While it’s generally approaching the time of year that people start to get a bit run down with colds and flus, it seems a new strain of COVID is also doing the rounds.
But this time, it’s more contagious than ever before.
The virus is very much back, so much so that a new strain called ‘Stratus’ is making up for a large proportion of new cases across the world.
Medically, the strain is known as ‘XFG,’ and there’s some differing symptoms for this strain as opposed to ones that have come before.
The original virus was known for its irritating dry cough that never seemed to subside.
But ‘Stratus’ has some different symptoms, which may be responsible for your family and friends feeling a little worse for wear.
What is the Stratus strain of COVID?
Stratus has two variants, known as XFG and XFG.3, with the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noting how this is one of the two most common variants at the moment, alongside a strain called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1).
The ‘Stratus’ variant is expected to spread fast, during a season which is already responsible for us feeling more groggy than usual.
What are the symptoms of the Stratus variant?
Taking to TikTok, one doctor, known as Dr Sami on the platform, helpfully revealed all the signs and symptoms to look out for.
He said: “Most people are complaining of a really hoarse voice, or a super sore throat.”
The doctor then explained it also presents with ‘GI symptoms,’ which include nausea, vomiting, bloating and acid reflux.
However, Dr Sami noted that this variant seems to cause a milder infection compared to the previous variants.
Is there a vaccine for the Stratus variant?
According to the doctor, a new ‘winter COVID’ vaccine is being rolled out in the U.K. on October 1.
However, it’s only eligible for people who are either over the age of 75, are immunocompromised because of a health condition or treatment, or are living in a care home for older adults.
