By Hannah Ahmed,Ryan Fahey
Copyright birminghammail
A Covid variant has been slowly creeping up in some parts of the UK, which has certain symptoms which could be overlooked. In the first week of September, health professionals recorded 425 new infections of the Stratus variant (otherwise known as XFG) in Ireland. This variant is reportedly the one behind numerous cases infecting the population at the moment – and it has a few unusual early signs. In an unsettling revelation, this strain now accounts for 76.1 per cent of infections which have been logged, which is a huge jump from the 49.3 per cent reported six weeks ago, Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre said. READ MORE: Boy dies from brain cancer after forgetting it’s half term The World Health Organization has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring.” While it is not thought to make an individual more severely unwell, it is known to spread faster than other variants. The most common early warning sign is said to be a hoarse or raspy voice, which then rolls out to some of the more well-known Covid signs, the Mirror reported. Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, Harley Street GP Dr Kaywaan Khan said: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.” Doctors have also logged a number of other symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throats, stomach upsets and fatigue, according to the Irish Mirror . Infectious disease specialist Dr Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California San Francisco warned that Stratus presents a “wider range of symptoms” than previous variants. He told SFGATE: “There’s a little bit more sore throats with some people. Particularly in those who are older, who didn’t get vaccinated last year. It’s more transmissible, so we expect that a lot of people will get it. “Particularly with kids going back to school, a sniffle is likely going to be Covid.” The NHS has its own advice on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid, with the health body urging Brits to “try to stay at home” if possible. READ MORE: Mum lasering off baby’s face as cruel kids refuse to play with her It states: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either: “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. “If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
