New Covid symptoms are 'easy to miss' as XFG strain spreads rapidly around UK

A new Covid variant is presenting symptoms that could easily be dismissed as it rapidly spreads. Health experts in Ireland have reported 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the Stratus variant (also known as XFG), believed to be responsible for the majority of these cases.

The variant is surging at an alarming rate, now accounting for 76.1% of reported infections compared to just 49.3% six weeks ago, according to Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The World Health Organisation has classified Stratus as a "variant under monitoring". While it is not believed to cause a more severe illness, it can spread faster than earlier strains. It presents a subtle, early symptom that people might dismiss rather than recognise as an illness.

The most common early warning sign of the Stratus variant is a hoarse or raspy voice, which then gives way to classic Covid symptoms like fever or cough.

Harley Street GP Dr Kaywaan Khan told Cosmopolitan UK: "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice."

Doctors have noted a range of other symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throats, stomach upsets and fatigue.

Infectious disease expert Dr Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California San Francisco warned that Stratus presents a "wider range of symptoms" than previous variants.

He told SFGATE: "There's a little bit more sore throats with some people. Particularly in those who are older, who didn't get vaccinated last year.

"It's more transmissible, so we expect that a lot of people will get it. Particularly with kids going back to school, a sniffle is likely going to be Covid."

Despite the emergence of new symptoms, Ireland's official Covid guidance remains unchanged.

The HSE stated: "If you have any symptoms of Covid and feel unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid.

"You do not need a Covid test unless a GP or health professional tells you to."