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55m ago

Stratus Covid Variant Spreads in UK With Hoarse Voice as Early Sign

Officials report no increase in severity, with vaccines expected to protect against serious illness.

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Overview

  • UKHSA surveillance shows XFG-lineages now dominate sequenced cases in England, with XFG.3 at 35% and XFG at 28% last month.
  • Recorded Covid cases rose 14.3% in the week to 17 September, and hospital admissions increased to 2.73 per 100,000 from 2.00.
  • The World Health Organization lists XFG as a variant under monitoring and assesses its global public-health risk as low.
  • Current vaccines are expected to remain effective, and the NHS winter vaccination programme begins on 1 October for eligible groups.
  • Clinicians highlight a hoarse or raspy voice and very sore throat as frequent early signs, and UKHSA advises those unwell to stay home and avoid vulnerable people.