The new coronavirus variant Stratus is spreading across Europe, and its unusual feature is appearing in midsummer—unlike earlier COVID‑19 waves that mainly hit in winter. What you need to know about its symptoms.
Stratus. The New Coronavirus Variant
In several Western European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, there has been a rapid increase in infections with the new coronavirus variant named Stratus. In the United Kingdom, its share of total cases rose from 10% to 40% in a matter of weeks, and in Southeast Asia it already accounts for nearly 70% of infections.
Stratus Spreads During Summer
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed Stratus as a “variant under monitoring,” citing its rapid spread and mutations that enable partial immune evasion. Although the current risk to public health is considered low, experts emphasize that, unlike earlier COVID‑19 waves that dominated winter, Stratus is spreading in summer. This may result from changes in the virus itself, as well as seasonal differences in human behavior and a decline in population immunity.
What Are the Symptoms?
Most infections are mild, yet WHO recommends maintaining the vaccination program, including booster doses, to reduce the risk of severe disease. Symptoms are similar to earlier Omicron variants: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, with a higher occurrence of hoarseness and voice changes. Experts warn that while there is no cause for panic, COVID‑19 remains a dynamic and unpredictable threat.
