As cases of new Covid strain Stratus continue to soar throughout the UK, experts warn that patients may well easily mistake one symptom for a simple dose of the flu
Cases of coronavirus are on the rise once more, and one tell-tale symptom of the Stratus strain could very easily be mistaken for another common illness.
Alongside Nimbus, the other current dominant COVID-19 strain, Stratus, has been spreading rapidly and is known to spread very easily from person to person. However, there’s no evidence to suggest it’s any more dangerous than strains which have come before.
First detected back in January, Stratus has two variants, XFG and XFG.3; the first of which is currently most widespread across the UK, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In many ways, Stratus shares many similarities with other strains, with patients complaining of headaches, coughing, blocked or runny nose, and exhaustion. Studies indicate there could be specific warning indicators linked to the newest strains, including a croaky voice or a “razor blade” pain in the throat.
A number of patients have also been complaining about another symptom, which could easily be mistaken for the flu – body aches.
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Discussing the Stratus strain previously, Dr Gareth Nye, from the University of Salford, told The Mirror: “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.”
Explaining what to expect from the variant, he warned: “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.”
This comes after the Royal College of GPs disclosed this week that Covid infections have doubled over the course of the last four weeks, prompting health authorities to reissue recommendations urging all those with symptoms to remain indoors.
The majority of those exhibiting symptoms won’t need to take a COVID-19 test; however, if you choose to do so and it comes back positive, it’s a good idea to stay home and avoid contact with others for three days, especially if you are under the age of 18.
Those aged 18 or older should stay home and avoid contact with others for five days after taking a positive test. According to NHS advice: “Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test”.
Covid-19 symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- High temperature or shivering (chills)
- A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in a day
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Body aching
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
Flu symptoms
The NHS warns that flu symptoms can come on “very quickly” and can include:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
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