A new strain of COVID has been found across the United Kingdom, with some experts warning it is resisting immunity. Dissimilar to other strains, the Stratus strain is characterized by its unique symptoms. The new strain is giving people a hoarse voice.
Stratus COVID has two variants, XFG and XFG3. According to the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency), the XFG3 variant accounts for a larger proportion than any other individual variant.
The two variants are currently accounting for around thirty per cent of COVID-19 cases in England, as per the UKHSA.
Dr Alex Allen, the Consultant Epidemiologist of UKSHA, said that it is common for viruses to mutate and change over time. He also added that it continues to observe all strains of COVID in the UK.
Experts warn that the new Strain could be more infectious than the earlier COVID variants. This new strain has mutations that help the virus ruse our immune system. Experts say both the variants, XFG and XFG3, are gaining ground.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, said that immunity is waning in the population as booster uptake has declined and recent infection rates are low. He also clarified that there is presently no proof that suggests that the new strain can cause major illness. Vaccination still offers strong protection against serious outcomes.
The WHO (World Health Organization) listed Stratus as a variant under monitoring. WHO also assessed the new variant’s risks as low. However, the Strain is now responsible for 22% of global COVID-19 cases.
WHO also stated that most symptoms of the new strain are similar to those of COVID-19 cases. These include cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, and more. One distinct symptom is a raspy voice. People may experience symptoms that tend to be mild to moderate. People who test positive may isolate themselves as the strain is highly contagious, according to the Professor.