New Covid variant spreads rapidly: Hoarseness as the first sign
The Covid Stratus variant, also known as XFG, is spreading rapidly throughout the population and has a subtle early symptom that people can easily overlook and dismiss as harmless, the Daily Star reports.
The variant spreads silently, causing symptoms that are easy to ignore, while the new strain spreads rapidly among people.
Health officials in Ireland recorded 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the Stratus (XFG) variant believed to be responsible for the vast majority of these cases. The strain is said to be spreading within communities with early warning signs being evident.
The variant is spreading at an alarming rate, now accounting for 76.1% of documented infections, compared with 49.3% six weeks ago, according to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in Ireland.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a “variant under surveillance.” Although it is not believed to cause more serious illness, it may spread more quickly than previous strains.
A subtle initial symptom
The variant brings a subtle, initial symptom that many may ignore, rather than recognize it as a warning. The most common early sign of the Stratus variant is a hoarse or cracked voice, which then develops into typical Covid symptoms, such as fever or cough, writes the Mirror.
In a statement to Cosmopolitan UK, Harley Street GP Dr. Kaywaan Khan explained:
“One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, meaning a hoarse voice.”
A range of additional symptoms have also been reported, including a blocked nose, sore throat, stomach upset and fatigue, according to the Irish Mirror. Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong of the University of California, San Francisco, warned that Stratus causes a “broader spectrum of symptoms” than previous variants.
Speaking to SFGATE, he explained:
“Some people have a more severe sore throat. Especially older people who didn’t get the vaccine last year. The disease is very contagious, so we expect a lot of people to get it – especially now that kids are going back to school. The runny nose is probably Covid.”
More severe illness and prolonged symptoms?
Despite the emergence of new symptoms, official Irish Covid guidelines remain unchanged.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said:
“If you have any symptoms of Covid and are feeling unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms have mostly gone away or completely avoid contact with other people, especially those in high-risk groups. You do not need to have a Covid test unless advised to do so by your GP or healthcare professional.”
In its guidance, the National Health Service (NHS) has published an extensive list of traditional Covid-19 symptoms that people in the UK should pay attention to.
Symptoms of Covid-19 may include: fever, cough, changes in smell and taste, headache, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, stuffy nose, etc.
These symptoms can overlap with those of the common cold or flu. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some may develop more severe forms of the disease or long-term symptoms (long-term Covid).
