XFG Stratus rising across the United States as summer COVID surge continues
A new COVID-19 variant, XFG, also known as Stratus, is on the rise in the United States and is now the third most common strain amid a nationwide summer surge. XFG is a genetic blend of the F.7 and LP.8.1.2 lineages. Early signals suggest it may be less contagious than the leading strains currently circulating, and there is no clear evidence that it causes more severe illness or distinct symptoms compared with earlier Omicron variants.
What we know about XFG so far
– Prevalence: By late June, XFG was estimated to account for up to 14% of U.S. COVID-19 cases, placing it behind two other dominant strains, NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1. The two-week period ending June 21 showed XFG at about 14% of cases nationally.
– Symptoms: There are no symptoms unique to XFG; most cases resemble symptoms seen with other Omicron-era variants. Anecdotal reports have mentioned hoarseness in some individuals, but this is not a established diagnostic sign.
– Global and vaccine context: The World Health Organization added XFG to its watchlist, but assessed the global risk as low. Current vaccines are still expected to protect against symptomatic and severe disease from XFG.
– U.S. context and Tennessee: A broader U.S. uptick in cases has been observed during the summer, though some states report higher positivity rates. In Tennessee, emergency department visits for COVID-19 remain low but are creeping upward, while overall case numbers and positivity have varied week to week.
What this means for residents
– Vaccination remains the best defense. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including any updated formulations, continues to be the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and serious illness.
– Stay alert for symptoms. Common COVID-19 symptoms still include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Seek medical care if breathing becomes difficult, chest pain, confusion, or inability to wake.
– Surveillance and testing matter. Ongoing monitoring helps health officials identify shifts in variant spread and adjust guidance as needed. If you have symptoms or exposure, consider testing and following local health guidance.
Context and outlook
– The current trajectory of XFG appears to align with a broader national surge rather than a sharp, variant-specific spike. Public health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, testing, and reporting symptoms early to keep hospitalizations low.
– While XFG’s rise is noteworthy, the combination of vaccines’ continued effectiveness and existing treatment options provides a strong defense against severe outcomes.
Summary
XFG Stratus is the third most common COVID-19 strain in the U.S. during a summer surge, formed by F.7 and LP.8.1.2. It may be less contagious than some dominant strains and has no unique symptoms beyond typical COVID-19 manifestations. Vaccines are still expected to protect against symptomatic and severe disease, and continued vaccination, testing, and surveillance are key as the situation evolves.
Additional note
Public health agencies will continue to track XFG’s spread and update guidance as needed. If you’re planning travel or gatherings, keeping current with vaccines and being mindful of local case trends can help reduce risk for you and your loved ones.