Winter brings new COVID variant as NHS braces for busy season

As the NHS gears up for its busiest time of year, a new COVID variant is rapidly spreading across the globe, and it’s causing concern here in the UK. The variant, now called Stratus (previously known as XFG), is on the rise, with cases climbing by 7.1% week-on-week. According to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data, there were 1,541 cases recorded across England in the week leading up to September 3.

Stratus, which was first detected in January and made its way to the West by March, is now the dominant strain, replacing the previously widespread Nimbus variant. XFG, which is a hybrid of two Omicron strains (LF.7 and LP.8.1.2), and its offshoots XFG.3 and XFG 3.1 now account for around 75% of COVID cases in England, up from just 40% in July.

In Northern Ireland, COVID cases are also on the rise. Data from the Public Health Agency’s latest report shows an increase in new COVID-19 episodes, with 117 unique episodes recorded in the first week of September, compared to 101 the previous week. The highest rates were found in the 75+ age group, particularly in the Mid and East Antrim area.

Dr Albert Ko, a professor of public health at Yale, explained that both Nimbus and Stratus seem to be more transmissible than earlier variants. What makes Stratus particularly concerning is that it has unique mutations that help it evade antibodies from previous infections or vaccinations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A key symptom of the Stratus variant is a hoarse voice, something that isn’t common with other COVID strains. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP, described this as one of the most noticeable early symptoms. “A scratchy or raspy voice” can develop into the usual COVID symptoms like fever and coughing. This could easily be missed as people might simply think they’ve got a cold, told Cosmopolitan UK.

Stratus is also presenting with a broader range of symptoms compared to previous strains. Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, warned that sore throats seem to be more common, particularly among the elderly who may not have had a vaccine in the past year. He also noted that because the variant is more transmissible, more people are expected to catch it, especially with kids returning to school.

As we head into winter, the NHS has reminded everyone to watch out for the usual COVID symptoms, which can include fever, coughing, sore throats, runny noses, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Although many people recover within a few weeks, it can be a more serious illness for some, and symptoms can last longer.

With the Stratus variant on the rise, the NHS is urging everyone to remain vigilant, particularly as we head into the colder months when the virus tends to spread more easily.