Health officials are warning Americans to roll up their sleeves for the latest COVID-19 booster as a new variant, nicknamed “Stratus,” sweeps through parts of the country.
The strain, officially labeled XFG, has rapidly climbed the ranks to become the third most common variant in the US this summer. By the end of June, it was responsible for about 14% of cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What’s making doctors uneasy is how quickly this has happened. Stratus first showed up in the US in June, just a few months after emerging in Southeast Asia back in January. Since then, it’s been detected in at least 38 countries — a sign that this variant isn’t staying put.
Medical authorities stress that staying up to date with COVID vaccinations is still the best way to protect yourself. In a statement, experts noted that vaccines are “expected to remain effective against this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.” Translation: the booster should still help keep you from getting seriously sick, even if you do catch it.
So what exactly is Stratus?
XFG is a hybrid, a genetic mix of two other variants: F.7 and LP.8.1.2, the latter of which is currently the second most common strain in the country. While early data doesn’t suggest Stratus is wildly more contagious than previous versions, scientists are keeping a close eye on it because it could be better at dodging the body’s immune defenses.
And the symptoms?
Doctors say there’s no clear sign that Stratus causes anything drastically different from other COVID strains. That said, one symptom keeps popping up more often than others: hoarseness.
The CDC still lists the familiar set of COVID symptoms for this variant:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or a runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Some cases remain mild, but health experts warn that certain red flags mean you should seek immediate medical attention. These include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, difficulty staying awake, and — depending on your skin tone lips, nail beds, or skin that looks pale, gray, or blue.
The good news? While the CDC and other agencies are monitoring Stratus closely, the advice remains the same: get boosted, test if you feel sick, and take precautions in crowded indoor spaces.
COVID hasn’t disappeared, and new variants like Stratus are reminders that it’s still evolving. For now, experts say there’s no need to panic but there’s every reason to be prepared.