COVID-19 Cases and Deaths increase as New ‘Stratus‘ Variant Circulates in the UK
London, UK - COVID-19 cases and deaths are rising across the United Kingdom as a new variant, dubbed “Stratus,” gains prominence. Health officials are monitoring the spread and urging vigilance as symptoms associated with the strain emerge. While currently categorized as mild to moderate, the increase in infections raises concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The uptick in cases comes after a period of relative stability, prompting renewed focus on preventative measures and symptom awareness. The Stratus variant, a sublineage of Omicron, is demonstrating increased transmissibility, leading to a surge in infections nationwide. Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of hannah London Clinic, notes a distinctive symptom linked to the new strain: “One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice.”
Beyond voice changes, symptoms of the Stratus variant generally align with those of previous Omicron subvariants, including fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, and loss of taste or smell. However, experts emphasize that symptom presentation can vary significantly between individuals.
Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination, including booster doses, as the primary defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are advised to get tested and isolate to prevent further transmission. Further updates will be provided as more data becomes available regarding the Stratus variant’s impact and trajectory.
