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3w ago

Stratus Covid Variant Now Dominant in UK as Cases Tick Up Ahead of Winter

Health officials say the public‑health risk remains low with no sign the strain causes more severe illness.

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What Are The Symptoms Of The "Stratus" COVID-19 Subvariant That's Hitting The USA?
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Overview

  • UKHSA data show XFG (“Stratus”) has risen from roughly 40% of sequenced cases in mid‑2025 to over 60% in recent weeks, making it the leading lineage in England.
  • Regional surveillance highlights the spread, with Public Health Wales reporting 47.6% of recent cases as XFG and North East England estimating about 70% as XFG or XFG.3 in August.
  • Clinicians report hoarseness or a scratchy, raspy voice as a frequent early symptom, alongside sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and occasional gastrointestinal issues.
  • The World Health Organization lists Stratus as a variant under monitoring and currently assesses overall risk as low with no evidence of increased severity, hospitalizations, or deaths.
  • NHS England’s seasonal Covid vaccination program starts October 1, and officials urge eligible people to book doses and use common‑sense precautions such as ventilation, hand hygiene, and staying home when ill.