A new Covid variant with distinct symptoms has emerged, rapidly establishing itself as the prevailing strain across numerous regions globally.

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that the XFG strain, dubbed Stratus, is quickly spreading throughout England. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also flagged its "rapidly growing" prevalence internationally.

The WHO has cautioned it will soon become the predominant variant. Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow at the University of Southampton, warns that the new strain could bring with it an "unpleasant bug".

Dr Head tells The Mirror: "This emergingCOVID variant looks to be similar to other recent strains in terms of severity of illness, and it's likely the existing vaccines will continue to be effective against 'Stratus'.

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"However, as ever, more data will be useful in fully judging how much of a threat this new strain may pose."

He added: "COVID-19 is still an unpleasant bug, so if you're eligible for protection from another vaccine dose, then do speak to your healthcare provider about arranging that.

"It's also important that as many people as possible get their seasonal flu vaccine, to protect themselves and to help avoid hospitals being overloaded across the winter."

GISAID, a worldwide programme monitoring various strains, discovered a dramatic spike in Stratus infections. They documented 22.7 per cent of all specimens examined tested positive for Stratus, marking a 7.4 per cent rise from the previous week.

The broader Covid indicators such as loss of taste or smell remain evident. However, Stratus raises the stakes.

"Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations," Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK.

"Despite this, it is important to mention that Stratus seems to be no worse than earlier Omicron variants in terms of illness, hospitalisations, or deaths."

Fortunately, the authorised jabs remain effective against this emerging strain. "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," explains Dr Khan.

"Though the symptoms manifest differently and vary from person to person, the symptoms of Stratus tend to be mild to moderate."

Stratus is highly contagious. Anyone who tests positive is advised to stay at home and isolate. If the patient is part of a vulnerable group then it's important to go to the doctor.

Covid can spread easily from person to person, especially if they touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

People can also catch it if they breathe in droplets from a person with Covid, who coughs out or exhales droplets. Therefore, regularly washing hands and maintaining a one metre distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing is still the best preventative advice.

As well as this, staying up to date with your Covid vaccinations is advised to protect yourself from severe illness.

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