By Lauren Haughey

Copyright mirror

A biomedical science lecturer has shed light on two emerging coronavirus variants , amidst growing concern over their spread and symptoms. The strain, known as Stratus, has two variants – XFG and XFG.3 – which were first discovered back in January of this year. By June, the World Health Organisation had declared XFG to be ‘under monitoring’ against the backdrop of ‘increasing proportions globally’. And by September 3, the UK Health Security Agency reported a 7.1% increase in coronavirus cases across England compared with seven days earlier, although it is unclear how many are affected by the XFG strain. So, what exactly is the Stratus bug, and how does it differ from the previous coronavirus strains we’ve seen over the past five years? The Mirror asked Dr Gareth Nye at the University of Salford for his thoughts on the matter. According to Dr Nye, Stratus is believed to have originated from the Omicron variant of the original coronavirus. Although it received extensive coverage over the summer, it was first identified in January and has since experienced an increase in reported infections. Now, Stratus has largely overtaken various other versions of the disease, becoming the most common form in various places. However, variants of any kind are nothing new, as illnesses constantly change over time. “Probably best to start with the fact that coronavirus has now seemingly settled into a seasonal illness now along the same lines as flus, which was always likely,” Dr Nye said. “As immunity from vaccines wears off and new variations spread, we will see upticks in coronavirus cases. Variants of diseases are also nothing new, there are nearly 150 variants of the ‘flu’ virus, for example.” Many of us have come to know that high temperatures, a new continuous cough and loss of smell or taste are among various ‘typical’ coronavirus signs. XFG and XFG.3 are believed to cause symptoms ‘almost identical’ to this, although sore throats and a hoarse voice might be more severe. Dr Nye continued: “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. Illnesses always see spikes as children go back to school, as close contact and often lower personal hygiene levels mix. “This version is more likely to make you sick, however, as they appear to be able to avoid your immune system even if you’ve had it before. [This] makes prior vaccines less useful, which makes regular vaccination against the latest coronavirus even more important. “Think of it like updating your phone to get the best possible experience.” While coronavirus is now an incredibly common disease, Dr Nye stressed that it’s still important to take precautions. People aged 65 and above, babies and adults with pre-existing medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of more serious complications of coronavirus. Therefore, if you believe you are ill with any form of coronavirus, it is important to test yourself and self-isolate. Dr Nye summarised: “Although coronavirus is now a very common disease, it is still dangerous to a large percentage of the population. “And so, if you think you have coronavirus, testing and isolation should still take place, the same advice applies if you have any illness.” Further information about coronavirus is available at the NHS website .