Symptoms of new Covid variant XFG.3 as 'Stratus' strain spreads globally

More than five years after the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a global pandemic, a new strain of the disease has swept over Britain.

The new strain is called 'Stratus' and has two variants, known as XFG and XFG.3, and is making up for a large proportion of new Covid cases in England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noted a 7.6 percent increase in coronavirus cases in England by 10 September, compared with the previous week, though it's unclear whether that figure has continued to climb.

Despite an increasing number of people contracting the new strain of the virus, experts have expressed they are not concerned about the spread.

According to Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist of the UKHSA, it is 'normal for viruses to mutate and change over time', while all strains of Covid are continuously monitored in the UK.

'Stratus' is causing a hoarse voice, according to experts (Getty Stock Images)

Symptoms of new Covid strain 'Stratus'

While the majority of Stratus symptoms are the same as all the other previous strains of coronavirus, experts have claimed one commonly occurring symptom of this particular strain appears to be a hoarse voice.

Fortunately, experts have not noticed any increase in the severity of symptoms, meaning the new strain isn't likely to make you feel any more unwell than you would catching the older strains of the virus.

The Covid vaccines are also believed to work as effectively against Stratus XFG and XFG.3 as previous strains.

"Based on the available information so far, 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," Dr Allen explained.

Gov guidance on the new strain is the same (Getty Stock Images)

Government guidance on testing positive for Covid

Regardless of whether you believe you have the new strain or not, if you test positive for Covid, government guidance remains unchanged.

There are no restrictions on coronavirus patients, but you should try and stay at home where possible.

The UKHSA says that anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection, Covid-19 or otherwise, should 'avoid contact' with vulnerable individuals and stay home where possible.

Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on sending children with coronavirus into schools and nurseries, however, the government guidance is that they should stay home if they are unwell and have a high temperature.

The UKHSA doesn't advise Covid testing on children and young people unless advised to do so by a health professional.