A new COVID variant, referred to as “Stratus” or XFG, is spreading in the US, with cases rising in North Carolina. According to experts, the percentage of emergency department visits due to COVID-like illnesses has increased for five consecutive weeks since July 5.
The dominant variant, NB.1.8.1, remains the most prevalent, but it’s causing a painful symptom known as “razor blade throat” that many infected individuals experience. Experts recommend fall vaccines and urge high-risk groups to vaccinate sooner.
Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of the new Stratus variant in North Carolina, but experts are cautious about its presence. With students returning to school, they expect a continued increase in COVID cases and eventually other respiratory diseases like flu and RSV.
Symptoms of the new variant include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. The painful “razor blade throat” is more common with the NB.1.8.1 variant due to its ability to bind to receptors in the upper airway.
The current COVID vaccines are expected to offer strong protection against the new variant, but experts advise waiting until fall for a booster shot and recommend it for immunocompromised or older individuals sooner.
To protect yourself from COVID infection, follow the CDC’s recommendations: mask up, stay up to date on vaccines, start treatment early with oral antivirals, practice tried-and-true precautions like covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home when sick.
Source: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article311634664.html