Have you heard of Stratus, the new COVID variant?
Stratus is the newest variant of the COVID-19 virus that’s starting to spread throughout the United States and other countries.
Scientists discuss this topic because it leads to an increase in COVID infections among the population. The researchers observe the spread of the virus to determine its transmission speed and its impact on human health.
Where Is Stratus Spreading?
Scientists first spotted it in Southeast Asia in January of this year.
It didn’t make much noise at the time, but over the next few months, it quietly traveled and spread across many places in the world.
In the United States, Stratus wasn’t seen much at first. However, by late June, it began to appear in an increasing number of people. It became the third most common COVID-19 variant in the country.
By now, Stratus is the most common COVID variant in the U.S., accounting for about 71% of cases.
The global COVID-19 cases now comprise 23% of Stratus.
To track how Stratus spreads, scientists don’t just count the number of people who get sick.
The program also conducts tests on wastewater, which originates from drain and toilet water in urban areas. The system enables healthcare providers to monitor virus spread in the community before patients reach medical facilities.
The Stratus layer is expanding quickly according to wastewater signal data collected in Texas and California.
What Are the Symptoms of Stratus?
Its symptoms are similar to those of earlier COVID-19 versions, but doctors have noticed one difference: Stratus more often causes hoarseness than older variants did.
Most kids (and adults) feel just like they do with older COVID versions, things like:
- Fever (feeling hot or chilly)
- Cough (a dry cough without much mucus)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness (feeling sleepy or worn out)
- Headache (your head feels sore or heavy)
- Your body experiences pain in the muscles of your arms, legs, and back.
Doctors note that people with Stratus often develop a raspy or scratchy voice, hoarseness which appears earlier and more prominently than it does with previous COVID-19 variants, before other typical symptoms.
The doctor states that Stratus produces additional symptoms beyond the common cold symptoms, which include nasal discharge, sore throat, congestion, and stomach issues that cause nausea or stomach discomfort; however, most cases remain mild.
Here’s a quick list:
- Hoarse, scratchy voice (new with Stratus)
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- A small stomach disturbance (such as stomach upset or diarrhea) may occur.
The symptoms of COVID-19 resemble those of a severe cold and typically resolve without medical intervention for most individuals. Older adults, together with people who have existing health conditions, tend to experience more severe illness symptoms.
Doctors continue to advise people to stay vigilant and undergo testing when they experience illness symptoms and seek medical consultation when their symptoms worsen.
What Should You Do?
To protect yourself and others from Stratus:
- Stay home from work when you are sick, as it allows you to heal and prevents the virus from spreading to others.
- Wash your hands: Handwashing with soap and water on a regular basis serves to eliminate germs.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
- Wear a mask in crowded places: In areas with high transmission, wearing a mask can help protect you and others.
Stratus spreads more easily and is now the main COVID variant in the U.S.
Symptoms mostly resemble those of previous variants, sometimes bypassing immunity from past infections or vaccines.
Staying safe and informed is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.