New Stratus Covid strain has distinct symptom that’s easy to spot
A doctor has issued a warning against this particular telltale symptom
Rhiannon Ingle
It's that time of year when everyone seems to be under the weather.
Between the common cold, the flu and spooky season-induced hangovers - it feels like we're all becoming a little worse for wear at this point in the year.
And as if all that wasn't enough to battle against, there's also a brand-new strain of Covid to look out for and it's got a pretty distinct telltale symptom, which makes it very easy to spot.
The strain in question that is currently circulating in the United Kingdom is XFG, also known as Stratus.
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While experts have reassured that Stratus doesn't appear to pose any greater risk than previous forms of Covid or cause more severe illness, recent genetic alterations in the virus may increase the chances of infection and present slightly different symptoms.
One of these is none other than the dreaded scratchy throat.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, told the Mirror: "You can still get some of the same features as with the common cold, like a cough or runny nose, but we are seeing a lot more hoarseness of voice."
Dr Khan continued: "It's not a defining feature, you can experience this with the common cold too, but with Covid, you can get a bit of laryngitis and this hoarse voice."
This is reportedly different from symptoms associated with other strains with the expert adding: "You can get a razor-sharp sore throat, but also loss of taste. It's probably less common than the first strains, but that can indicate Covid."
Dr Khan recommended early testing for those who are more susceptible or have compromised immune systems, explaining: "With Covid, you can get antivirals, but this will only be beneficial if you get tested really early.
"If you are immunocompromised, or have another condition, testing can provide information to your GP and they can consider antiviral medication."
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) notes that the NHS offers free Covid vaccines to people over 75.
"It's normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants, we'll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible," the agency states.
"The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due."