A new COVID-19 variant known as XFG, or “Stratus,” is currently responsible for a surge in cases across the United States. This variant, which emerged earlier this summer, now accounts for approximately 70% of the COVID-19 cases nationwide. As the virus continues to evolve, the symptoms associated with COVID-19 have also changed slightly.
According to infectious disease specialists, experiences with the virus can vary greatly depending on various factors such as a person’s immunity status, age, and overall health. While many people are now reporting symptoms that resemble those of a bad cold, there are still a significant number of individuals who find themselves experiencing severe illness. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, highlighted that while many cases are milder, hospitalizations still occur.
Notably, experts stress that even those not considered high-risk for severe illness should remain cautious. Dr. Thomas Russo, another infectious disease specialist, stated that one cannot rule out the possibility of experiencing severe symptoms, especially for those who are unvaccinated or have not recently been infected.
Currently, some of the most common symptoms reported include a sore throat, sinus congestion, and a runny nose, which can make those infected feel as if they have a straightforward cold. However, the potential for other familiar symptoms from COVID-19 persists, including a loss of taste or smell, fatigue, fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
The observed mild symptoms may be attributed to factors such as the characteristics of the Stratus variant and collective immunity gained through vaccinations and previous infections. As Dr. Schaffner explains, COVID-19, being a respiratory virus, can produce diverse symptoms affecting the respiratory tract.
Wastewater surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that states experiencing higher levels of COVID-19 currently include Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, and Vermont, among others with moderate case counts.
In terms of contagiousness, individuals tend to be infectious the day before symptoms appear and remain most contagious for two to three days after becoming ill. Dr. Russo recommends that individuals are unlikely to spread the virus 10 days after falling ill, assuming they are vaccinated. For those who may be around higher-risk populations, such as young children, seniors, or individuals with health conditions, wearing a mask is advised.
To protect yourself from COVID-19, experts continue to advocate for staying up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly with the updated COVID-19 vaccine. It’s also advisable to consider wearing masks during gatherings, especially around those at higher risk, and to avoid close contact with visibly sick individuals. Despite a decline in testing among the general population, utilizing home tests before interacting with vulnerable individuals remains a prudent practice.
As we navigate this latest wave of COVID-19 infections, vigilance and preventive measures will be key to safeguarding our health and the health of others.