Stratus Variant Warning: Raspy Voice Could Be the First Sign of This New COVID Strain

A new coronavirus strain, Stratus, is spreading rapidly across the UK and could soon become the dominant variant, health experts have warned. Officially classified as XFG, Stratus is a subvariant of Omicron, and early indications suggest it may be more contagious than previous COVID-19 strains.

The emergence of Stratus highlights the ongoing need for vigilance, even as vaccination efforts continue to reduce the severity of cases globally.

What Is The Stratus Variant?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Stratus as a new Omicron subvariant that could overtake existing strains due to its increased transmissibility. According to Manchester Evening News, Stratus is now the most prevalent COVID-19 strain in England.

Omicron, first detected in November 2021, already had a high transmission rate. But experts suggest that Stratus may spread even more efficiently. Despite this, there is currently no evidence that the XFG variant causes more severe illness, hospitalisations or deaths.

A Scratchy Voice Could Be The First Sign

One of the distinctive symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, or a scratchy or raspy voice, which sets it apart from other strains.

'One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice,' said Dr Kaywaan Khan, Founder of Hannah London Clinic and Medical Director of Harley Street GP, in an interview with Cosmopolitan UK.

Dr Khan explained that while symptoms vary from person to person, most are mild to moderate. However, because symptoms are similar to those of a common cold or flu, people may dismiss them and avoid seeking medical advice, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.

Should You Get Tested?

If you live in the UK—particularly in England—and begin experiencing hoarseness, medical professionals advise you to get tested for COVID-19.

Testing kits are available at Boots, Amazon, and other authorised retailers. If your result is positive, you should isolate immediately to avoid infecting others.

'If you test positive, Stratus is highly contagious, and it is advised to stay home and isolate to avoid spreading to others,' said Dr Khan.

He recommended adequate rest, hydration, and monitoring symptoms closely. Individuals experiencing chest pain or breathing difficulties should seek medical care without delay.

'As a doctor seeing and treating patients first-hand, I want to advocate, as I always do, a prevention-better-than-cure approach,' he added.

Are Vaccines Still Effective?

Although coronaviruses mutate over time to improve their ability to infect hosts, current vaccines remain effective in preventing symptomatic and severe cases of the Stratus variant.

Dr Khan noted that while Stratus carries spike protein mutations that could help it partially evade antibodies from prior infection or vaccination, there is no evidence that it renders vaccines ineffective.

'Covid can spread easily from person to person, especially if they touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth,' he said.

He encouraged the public to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date to stay protected, particularly as new variants emerge.