COVID-19

New COVID Strain Alert: Stratus Variant Now Dominant in 42 Countries – Symptoms & Protection

Infographic: How to protect against new COVID strain Stratus

As first reported in our June analysis of the rapidly spreading ‘Frankenstein variant’, Stratus (XFG/XFG.3) has now surged to dominance across the UK. [Read our initial coverage] to understand its recombinant origins, early symptom patterns, and global emergence. New data confirms its unique hoarseness symptom and reveals updated prevalence trends exceeding initial projections. July 10, 2025 – … Read more

Hoarse Voice Alert: New ‘Stratus’ COVID Variant Dominates UK Cases, Experts Monitor Spread

Illustration of COVID virus particles with vocal cords indicating hoarseness symptom

LONDON – A rapidly spreading COVID-19 subvariant nicknamed “Stratus” (scientifically designated XFG/XFG.3) has surged to become the dominant strain in the UK, accounting for roughly 40% of current cases, according to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. While global health authorities assess its overall risk as “low”, experts highlight a distinctive symptom—persistent hoarseness—and warn waning immunity could fuel a new infection … Read more