Covid Stratus Strain Hits Hard ‘Worst it’s ever been’ says Woman Sharing Her Symptoms

As the colder weather sets in, many Brits are once again facing off against the usual autumn colds and flu, but this year there’s a new threat making the rounds. Experts have warned of a triple threat as Covid cases rise due to a new strain known as Stratus. It’s been spreading quickly, with two variants, XFG and XFG.3, now circulating in the UK.

The latest data shows that Covid cases have spiked in the UK, with the percentage of confirmed cases jumping from 7.6% to 8.4% in just a week.

What’s more, the XFG.3 variant was responsible for around 40% of Covid cases in the UK as of June, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), reported the Mirror.

While Covid’s usual symptoms—fever, cough, and body aches—are still present, Stratus is making its mark with a more unusual first sign: a hoarse voice. Medical experts have noted that this new strain brings additional symptoms like blocked noses, sore throats, digestive issues, and overwhelming fatigue.

One woman who tested positive for the new strain earlier this month shared her experience online, describing this round of Covid as the worst she’s ever had. Nev (@nivismad) took to TikTok to explain how she first felt ill on August 30.

She had a bit of congestion and a blocked nose, but things took a turn the following day. Her throat became scratchy, and she started feeling worse by the evening. “When I went to bed that night, my teeth were hurting, my jaw was hurting, and my head hurt really bad,” she said.

The hoarse voice that marks the start of the Stratus strain was one of her first signs. She also experienced “debilitating fatigue,” making it hard to even stand. “I couldn’t stand. I was so exhausted,” she explained. By the end of the day, she had intense body aches and chills, describing herself as “so uncomfortable.”

Nev had experienced Covid before, but she said this time was different. “I have had Covid quite a few times. It’s been a year or two since I’ve had it last, but this is the worst it’s ever been.” In her TikTok, filmed around day three or four of her illness, she was still struggling with exhaustion. “Standing up is work,” she added.

Thankfully, Nev made a full recovery and was back at the gym a few days later. However, her experience resonated with many others who commented on her post, sharing their own strange symptoms with this new strain. One person wrote, “The teeth pain was terrible!! Never had that symptom ’til this time around.” Another shared, “I had all this, then the worst sore throat I’ve ever experienced just kicked in. I don’t know what is going on, I feel like I’m swallowing knives.”

Other users mentioned similar symptoms, like dizziness, fatigue, and intense body aches. A third person wrote, “I started with a scratchy throat, then sneezing and runny nose. Day 7 and I have the same fatigue you talked about. I am dizzy. It’s actually scary.”

Dr Nye, a medical expert, spoke to The Mirror about the Stratus strain, explaining that while its symptoms are similar to those of the flu or common cold, there’s a key difference. “In most ways, it’s almost identical. However, people with this version tend to get very sore throats and a hoarse voice, compared with the other more general symptoms like cough, temperature and aches.”

With Covid making a comeback and the flu circulating again, it’s a reminder to take precautions, especially with new strains like Stratus. Keep an eye on any unusual symptoms and stay safe this autumn.