A fresh Covid-19 variant, known as Stratus, is now spreading rapidly across the UK and Ireland, with health officials monitoring its impact closely. The strain has two forms, XFG and XFG.3, with the latter already accounting for around 40% of infections in England earlier this summer. In Ireland, the variant has grown to dominate over three-quarters of new cases in just six weeks.

The World Health Organisation has placed Stratus on its watchlist as a “variant under monitoring.” While it does not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains, experts warn it is more contagious, making it easier for the virus to circulate, particularly as schools return and seasonal colds increase.

One of the most distinctive early signs is hoarseness or a raspy voice, a symptom that could easily be overlooked. Doctors have also reported congestion, sore throats, stomach upset and tiredness among patients. Infectious disease specialists highlight that Stratus presents a broader range of symptoms than previous variants and is more likely to cause throat-related complaints, especially in people who missed last year’s booster jab.

Despite this, UK guidance on Covid symptoms and testing remains unchanged. The NHS continues to advise those who test positive to stay home where possible, though free test kits are no longer widely available. Vaccines remain the primary defence, and officials urge people to stay alert to both the classic symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the subtler warning signs linked with Stratus.