A new COVID-19 variant, “Stratus” (XFG), has emerged and is spreading across the US, particularly in Tennessee. The variant combines elements of variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2 and may be less contagious than other dominant strains.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Stratus accounted for 14% of cases in the US as of late June, making it the third most common strain. While it doesn’t appear to cause distinct symptoms, some individuals have reported experiencing hoarseness.
Symptoms of COVID-19 typically include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, and nausea or vomiting. If you experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue skin tone, seek medical attention immediately.
Tennessee has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, with 8.5% of Americans tested positive for the virus during the week ending August 2. Emergency room visits for COVID-19 are “very low” but increasing. The CDC advises taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and staying informed about local case numbers and vaccination guidelines.
As the situation continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information from credible sources, such as the CDC and World Health Organization.
Source: https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2025/08/12/new-covid-strain-stratus-xfg-tennessee/85625710007