Latest Global COVID-19 Subvariant Symptoms: An Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a new subvariant of the Omicron lineage, known as Stratus (XFG), which has been spreading rapidly across the globe. First detected in Canada, Stratus has been reported in 38 countries including parts of Southeast Asia, the UK, China, the US, Australia, and others.
Stratus, like other sublineages of Omicron, tends to cause less severe disease compared to previous variants of concern. However, it is important to note that it does not cause more severe illness or deaths than other circulating variants, although individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions may still experience severe illness.
The symptoms of XFG largely resemble those of other Omicron subvariants and generally include mild to moderate upper respiratory tract symptoms such as fever, chills, dry cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, muscle and body aches, loss or change of taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, runny or blocked nose. The most noticeable symptom of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice, a symptom that helps differentiate it from other Omicron subvariants.
Stratus is a recombinant variant, which means it arose when two other variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, shared genetic material. This recombination event has resulted in the variant having mutations in the spike protein that enhance immune evasion, but does not appear to increase severity compared to prior variants.
As of June 27, there are three COVID-19 "variants under monitoring": Nimbus, Stratus, and LP.8.1.1. The WHO is reviewing the global epidemiology of each variant and tracking their spread around the world. Stratus is presently designated by the WHO as a "variant under monitoring" with an overall low public health risk. Despite this, its high transmission rate and hospitalizations make it a candidate to potentially become the next dominant variant globally.
For protection against severe illness, vaccines remain the number one tool we have. It is crucial to ensure that vaccination rates remain high and that individuals receive their booster shots when eligible. If you think you might be due for a booster, and want to check your eligibility, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
It is essential to remember that testing remains important to confirm infection given symptom overlap with cold or flu. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control designates these variants as "variants under monitoring," and the WHO is keeping a close watch on the progress of the Stratus variant.
In summary, Stratus/XFG shares common mild symptoms with other Omicron subvariants but is notable for its hoarseness symptom. It is spreading quickly but does not cause more severe disease. Testing remains crucial to confirm infection given symptom overlap with cold or flu. Vaccines remain the best tool for protection against severe illness, and it is essential to ensure that vaccination rates remain high and that individuals receive their booster shots when eligible.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Stratus/XFG, a recombinant variant of the Omicron lineage, as a "variant under monitoring" due to its high transmission rate.
- Although Stratus tends to cause less severe disease, individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing medical-conditions may still experience severe illness.
- For health-and-wellness, it's crucial to ensure vaccination rates remain high, and people receive their booster shots when eligible, as vaccines remain the number one tool for protection against severe illness.
- In the field of public health, ongoing research in biology and science, including the study of Stratus, aims to better understand this variant and its impact on global health.
