A doctor has revealed the unusual symptoms that come with the new Covid strain, known as Stratus, which has two different variants – XFG and XFG.3
A doctor has issued a warning about a new fast-spreading Covid variant, which causes patients to exhibit ‘peculiar’ early symptoms.
There has been a growing concern over the spread of the new Covid strain, known as ‘Stratus’, which has two variants, XFG and XFG.3.
It was first discovered in January of this year, and by June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared XFG to be ‘under monitoring’ due to its ‘increasing proportions globally’.
The XFG variant has spread rapidly throughout Ireland in recent days, and last week accounted for 73 per cent of all known Covid infections nationwide.
Meanwhile, by 3 September, the UK Health Security Agency reported a 7.1% rise in Coronavirus cases across England compared with the previous week, although it’s unclear how many have been affected by the XFG strain.
Stratus spreads faster than previous strains and may present slightly differently in patients. So what is it we need to look out for, and how can we take steps to prevent the infection rate rising?
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Dr Kader, who shares medical wisdom via his TikTok channel @ask.doctor.k, has advised that this particular new strain affects the digestive system, on top of usual Covid symptoms you’d expect.
Dr Kader shared: “Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid variant. It’s called Stratus or XFG, and actually the symptoms are a little bit different when compared to the previous variants.
“The new variant seems to be starting with ear, nose and throat symptoms, so most people are complaining about a really hoarse voice or a super sore throat. It also seems to present with more GI symptoms. A lot of people are complaining about nausea, vomiting, bloating [and] acid reflux.”
While noting that Stratus often causes a “milder” infection, Dr Kader also warned that it is more contagious, revealing: “You may have noticed that everyone is getting sick this week, and we’ve seen a huge rise in Covid cases in hospital patients, and part of the reason why infections are spreading fast is because the weather is changing, it’s getting a bit colder, people are staying indoors more and just passing the bugs to each other.”
With this in mind, Dr Kader recommended the following three important steps to help reduce infection risks:
- Regular handwashing
- Keeping your home well-ventilated
- Consider wearing a face mask when entering crowded places
On top of this, the medic also urged TikTok users to stay home if they begin to feel unwell, until their symptoms start to improve, the Irish Mirror reports.
It’s also advised that members of the public keep an eye out for all 18 recgonised symptoms of Covid, which are as follows:
- Fever (high temperatures of 38 °C or above)
- Dry cough
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- A loss or changes to your sense of smell or taste
- Nasal congestion
- Conjunctivitis
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Painful muscles or joints
- Skin rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Chills
- Cizziness
- Shortness of breath or difficulties breathing
- Appetite loss
- Confusion
- Pain or pressure in the chest.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
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