Stratus – The New King of Corona or Just Another Variant?
Imagine this: a new coronavirus variant called Stratus is literally taking over the UK! The World Health Organization (WHO) has put this strain under surveillance, and experts are already shaking in their boots. Why? Because Stratus, also known as XFG, is more contagious than all previous COVID variants!
How did it come about? Like the virus got a Frankenstein makeover! Stratus is a hybrid, created when someone was infected simultaneously with two different COVID strains, which then crossed over to form this new mutated beast. Professor Lawrence Young from the University of Warwick says mutations in the spike protein allow this variant to evade the immune system more effectively.
The numbers don’t lie: Stratus’s share in the UK jumped from 10% in May to nearly 40% by mid-June! That means this variant is now dominant there. Although there’s no evidence yet that it causes more severe symptoms, experts warn it could trigger a new wave of infections.
But wait, there’s more! Another new variant, Nimbus, is also spreading and can cause a sore throat that feels like swallowing a razor blade. Nimbus rose from 2% in April to 17% in June. Doctors warn that a razor-sharp sore throat might be a sign of this variant.
Even though the overall number of COVID cases is declining, these new variants remind us the virus isn’t done with us yet. Older people and those with weakened immune systems remain at risk.
So, while the world hopes the worst is over, Stratus and Nimbus send a clear message: corona isn’t giving up easily! If you have a sore throat that feels like you swallowed a razor, maybe it’s time to wonder — is it just a cold or a new COVID variant?
What do you think? Is this the start of a new pandemic drama or just another viral summer hit? Share your theories, experiences, or just a good COVID joke in the comments — because hey, laughter is the best medicine, right?
In short:
- Stratus (XFG) is a new, super contagious COVID variant in the UK.
- Its share rose from 10% to nearly 40% in one month.
- It was created by crossing two strains, a true viral Frankenstein.
- Nimbus is another new variant causing razor-like sore throats.
- Overall cases are declining, but new variants still threaten.
- Vaccines still protect against severe disease.
Stay alert but don’t panic — the virus may be fast, but we’re smarter! Or at least trying to be…
Sources: Kurir.rs, Daily Mail, UK Health Security Agency, World Health Organization
