A new COVID-19 variant, called Stratus XFG, has arrived. It doesn’t appear to cause severe illness like previous variants, but it does spread rapid spread rapidly and it is worth monitoring.
What You Need to Know
Stratus XFG, referred to as “Stratus,” is a subvariant of Omicron. It was first identified in Europe and has since appeared in several U.S. states. Researchers gave it the “Stratus” because it spread quickly, like a cloud. It hasn’t yet been labeled a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization but healthcare experts are keeping a close eye on it.
What Makes it Different?
It carries new mutations on its spike protein, making it slightly better at slipping past immunity from earlier infections or vaccines. It does not mean that vaccines are not working it just means that they will help reduce the risk of severe illness. Boosters are especially important now.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of Stratus XFG mimic earlier Omicron strains: sore throat, cough, fatigue, runny nose, and headache are most common. Some also report fever, muscle aches, or loss of taste and smell.
How to Protect Yourself?
To stay protected, healthcare professionals recommend keeping up with your COVID-19 boosters, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, testing if you feel sick, maintaining good hygiene, and improving indoor ventilation.
Since fever is one of the symptoms, it is important to take regular temperature checks with thermometers. For example, Exergen’s TempoTherm or TAT-2000C Temporal Artery Thermometer to ensure that you get a clear picture of any changes in your body temperature. This thermometer is accurate, easy to use, and a just requires a simple swipe across the forehead by gently touching it to get quick and accurate reading with minimal hassle.
Source
EXERGEN P/N 850514