A healthcare professional conducts a COVID-19 test as the Stratus variant (XFG) spreads across the U.S., prompting renewed health measures (Unsplash)
"Stratus," also known as variation XFG, is a new COVID-19 variation that is spreading both domestically and internationally. According to a USA Today article, current COVID-19 vaccines should continue to protect against the symptoms and severe sickness produced by this variation.
The Stratus COVID-19 variant, or more aptly the XFG variant, has apparently become a reality in the United States. This recombinant strain is said to consist of two variants-the F.7 and LP.8.1.2-and is purportedly the third most commonly found strain in the country.
Infected persons with the Stratus variant show syndromes similar to other COVID-19 strains, such as fever, cough, fatigue and sore throats, followed by cough, nasal congestion, and muscle aches. Hoarseness, a distinctly different feature of Stratus, has been quite prominent in comparison to earlier variants.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been reports of increased COVID-19 cases around the country-in fact, those at the highest on the West Coast. The data from the wastewater monitoring indicate that infection levels remain "high" in states such as California, Alaska, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.
Cases associated with this variant are also increasing in other states, including Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
ALSO READ: Trump Admin to Terminate Flu, Virus Vaccine Projects Worth $500M
Health officials continue to stress preventive measures against the Stratus variant. They include wearing facemasks indoors in crowded places along good hand hygiene practices, physical distancing when appropriate, and keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
As the Stratus variant becomes rampant, people should remain alert and follow public health protocols. Continuous monitoring and research will be necessary to gain a keener understanding of the new strain and what it is expected to do to put in place effective measures to protect public health.
ALSO READ: US Health Department Cancels Funding for mRNA Vaccine Projects
