Negative
25Serious
Neutral
Optimistic
Positive
- Total News Sources
- 1
- Left
- 0
- Center
- 0
- Right
- 1
- Unrated
- 0
- Last Updated
- 16 days ago
- Bias Distribution
- 100% Right


Stratus Covid Variant Dominates UK, Ireland Cases With Unique Symptoms
The XFG variant of Covid-19, also known as Stratus, has become the dominant strain in the UK, Ireland, and increasingly in the US, accounting for a significant majority of new infections. Despite its rapid spread, health authorities including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) classify the public health risk of XFG as low, with no evidence of increased severity, hospitalizations, or deaths compared to previous variants. Stratus is a hybrid of two Omicron strains and is noted for its ability to evade antibodies from prior infections or vaccinations, contributing to its transmissibility. A distinctive early symptom associated with the Stratus variant is hoarseness or a scratchy, raspy voice, which may be easily overlooked, followed by typical Covid symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Experts warn that as children return to school, cases may rise further, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant despite stable overall infection levels. Public health guidance remains unchanged, emphasizing isolation when symptomatic to reduce transmission risks during the upcoming winter months.

- Total News Sources
- 1
- Left
- 0
- Center
- 0
- Right
- 1
- Unrated
- 0
- Last Updated
- 16 days ago
- Bias Distribution
- 100% Right
Negative
25Serious
Neutral
Optimistic
Positive
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