England is currently experiencing a significant increase in Covid-19 cases, driven by the emergence and rapid spread of a new strain known as 'Stratus'. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates a notable surge in virus levels, with cases rising by 7.6 percent from September 3 to reach 1,664 by September 10. This uptick is not confined to case numbers alone; both deaths and hospitalizations related to the virus are also on the rise. In the week ending September 5, 79 Covid deaths were recorded, marking a substantial 36.2 percent increase from the preceding week. Furthermore, 1,162 patients were admitted to hospital with Covid in the week ending August 31, representing a 15.6 percent rise from the week before.

The 'Stratus' variant, also identified as XFG, along with its spin-offs XFG.3 and XFG.3.1, has rapidly become the dominant strain in England, now accounting for approximately 75 percent of all Covid cases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) designated this new strain a "variant under monitoring" on June 25, having first been reported in January of this year. According to WHO classifications, a "variant under monitoring" requires prioritized attention due to characteristics that may pose an additional threat when compared to other existing strains of the virus.

Despite the rise in cases and its classification, expert opinions on the severity and impact of Stratus on vaccine efficacy present a nuanced picture. Dr. Alex Allen, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated in July that it is "normal for viruses to mutate and change over time." Dr. Allen added that, based on available information at that time, "there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them." However, Dr. Gareth Nye at the University of Salford offered a different perspective, suggesting that this version "is more likely to make you sick" as it "appear[s] to be able to avoid your immune system even if you've had it before," which "makes prior vaccines less useful." Dr. Nye emphasized the importance of regular vaccination against the latest coronavirus, comparing it to "updating your phone to get the best possible experience." Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from the University of California, San Francisco, also warned that Stratus shows a "wider range of symptoms" compared to earlier variants and is "more transmissible," anticipating that many people will contract it, especially with children returning to school.

The evolution of Covid-19 symptoms has been a consistent feature since the virus first circulated in the UK in 2020. Initially, common indicators included fever or chills, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to the sense of smell or taste. As new strains, including Stratus, have emerged and mutated, the presentation of the illness has adapted. Many individuals now report experiencing cold-like symptoms. However, the UKHSA advises awareness of a broader spectrum of symptoms which can include fever, a continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness or exhaustion, body aches, headache, sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, or a change in sense of taste or smell.

A particularly noticeable symptom associated with the 'Stratus' variant is a change in voice. Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, highlighted that a "scratchy" or "raspy" voice, also described as hoarseness, may be a key indicator of the new strain. Dr. Nye reiterated this, noting that people with this version tend to get "very sore throats and a hoarse voice" more prominently than other general symptoms. Generally, Dr. Khan characterized the symptoms of Stratus as "mild to moderate." Dr. Chin-Hong also noted "a little bit more sore throats with some people," especially older individuals who were not vaccinated the previous year.

With the NHS preparing for a potential surge in winter viruses, understanding the nuances of the Stratus variant and its symptoms is crucial. The variant's increased transmissibility, particularly in environments like schools, underscores the importance of vigilance and appropriate health measures. Regular vaccination against the latest strains of coronavirus remains a vital strategy in mitigating the impact of ongoing viral evolution.