Red flag signs to look out for that could mean you have new ‘Nimbus’ or ‘Stratus’ strain of Covid

You'd be forgiven for thinking everyone has got the dreaded lurgy at the moment, and it turns out that multiple new strains of Covid are doing the rounds.

The initial outbreak and lockdowns feel like a lifetime ago now, but coronavirus is still around.

When Covid 19 initially happened, people were looking for signs like losing the sense of taste and smell.

If you or a loved one has been feeling rotten, it's worth double checking the signs and symptoms of these new strains, or taking a covid test.

In the US, the new variant doing the rounds has been dubbed 'Stratus', and the UK strain is called 'Nimbus'.

Cases continue to climb both here and overseas too, and the official titles for the 'Stratus' strain is XFG, and the 'Nimbus' strain is NB.1.8.1.

Cases of Covid are on the rise again, both in the UK and the US (Getty Stock)

It has been reported by the World Health Organization that 'Nimbus' is 'highly infectious due to its strong ability to bind to human cells', while 'Stratus' had 'marginal additional immune evasion” over Nimbus.

Essentially, this means that 'Stratus' has evolved more so it can better avoid being recognised and attacked by the immune system.

Here's the signs to look out for.

'Nimbus' strain

Feel like you've been gargling glass?

One of the most complained about symptoms of these new strains is an agonisingly painful sore throat.

A hoarse voice often accompanies it.

The loss of taste and smell can still apply but is apparently now much less common than it was in the initial days.

The NHS advises drinking lots of fluids and adding a teaspoon of honey can help with a bad sore throat.

'Stratus' strain

Those who have developed this version of Covid are reporting a persistent, dry cough, as well as tiredness or fatigue and a fever.

This strain was first recorded in March, but it took several months to really take hold.

Dr. Albert Ko is a professor of public health, epidemiology and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, and he told Today: “NB.1.18.1 (Nimbus) and XFG (Stratus) appear to be more transmissible compared to other variants."

"All these newer omicron variants are highly contagious, but apparently not as severe," he advised.

In the four-week period leading up to September 27, 'Stratus' was responsible for 85% of COVID cases in the US.

A bad sore throat is one of the tell-tale signs of the 'nimbus' strain (Getty Stock)

How to protect yourself from Covid strains

Hygiene and hand cleaning are still at the fore of protecting yourself, and it is still advised to wear an N95 mask if you know you are going to be around people who are unwell.

Covid vaccinations are still available for free on the NHS for those aged 75 and over.

Being sure to bin tissues properly can also help.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says: "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 spokesperson continues: "The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due."