A new Covid variant is quietly emerging, causing symptoms that may be easily overlooked as it rapidly spreads among the population. Health experts in Ireland have reported 425 new infections in the first week of September, with the Stratus variant (also known as XFG) believed to be responsible for the majority of new cases. This variant, which is now surging and accounting for 76.1% of reported infections compared to 49.3% six weeks ago, is showing unusual early warning signs.

According to the World Health Organization, Stratus is currently classified as a “variant under monitoring.” While it is not known to cause more severe illness, it has the ability to spread more quickly than earlier strains. One distinctive early symptom of this variant is a hoarse or raspy voice, which can later progress to more typical Covid symptoms like fever and cough.

Medical professionals have identified additional symptoms associated with Stratus, including nasal congestion, sore throats, stomach upsets, and fatigue. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California San Francisco highlighted that this variant presents a wider range of symptoms compared to previous variants, with more instances of sore throats reported, especially among older individuals who were not vaccinated last year.

Despite the emergence of new symptoms, the official Covid guidance in Ireland remains unchanged. The advice is to stay home if experiencing any Covid symptoms, avoid contact with others, and seek a Covid test only if recommended by a healthcare professional. The NHS in the UK continues to provide a comprehensive list of traditional Covid-19 symptoms for the public to be vigilant about.

It is important to note that Covid-19 symptoms can resemble those of other common illnesses like colds and flu. While most individuals recover within a few weeks, some may experience a more prolonged and serious illness with symptoms lasting longer.