New COVID Variant Stratus (XFG) Spreads in the U.S.: Symptoms, Risks And What You Need to Know

New Delhi, 21 August 2025: A new COVID‑19 variant called Stratus (XFG) is rapidly spreading across the United States. This latest subvariant is gaining attention from global health authorities due to its increasing case numbers, mild but notable symptoms, and the need for renewed public health awareness.

What Is the XFG (Stratus) Variant?

Stratus (XFG) is a recombinant Omicron subvariant, formed through genetic mixing of earlier strains. Initially detected in early 2025, it has shown a sharp rise in infections both in the U.S. and internationally.

• Emergence & Growth: First detected in Canada in January 2025, XFG is now present in several countries and accounts for over 14% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
• Global Expansion: Worldwide, the variant has risen in prevalence from around 7% in early May to nearly 23% by the end of the same month.

Although health officials are monitoring the variant, current data does not suggest it causes more severe illness than previous strains. However, its rate of transmission and immune evasion is being watched closely.

Symptoms of the Stratus (XFG) Variant

XFG presents a range of symptoms similar to those of earlier Omicron subvariants. Most infections are mild to moderate, but knowing the early warning signs is essential.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of taste or smell (less frequent)

Unique symptom to watch:

• A hoarse or raspy voice — often described as a “razor-blade” feeling in the throat — appears to be more common with this variant than previous ones.

Severe symptoms requiring medical help:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion or inability to stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

How Transmissible Is XFG?

Stratus is believed to be more contagious than some earlier variants, partly due to mutations in its spike protein. These mutations allow the virus to:

• Spread more easily from person to person.
• Evade the immune response from previous infection or vaccination to a certain extent.

Even so, vaccines—especially updated boosters—still offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. The number of hospital admissions remains low, likely due to the high level of population immunity built over the last few years.

Why Are Cases Increasing Now?

XFG is contributing to a noticeable late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases across the U.S. This is reflected in rising levels of the virus in wastewater testing and an increase in emergency room visits, particularly among children and older adults.

While hospitalizations and ICU admissions have not significantly spiked, the situation still calls for public attention—especially in states experiencing higher transmission rates.

Risk Factors and Who’s Most Vulnerable

As with earlier variants, certain groups remain more vulnerable to complications from the XFG strain:

• Seniors aged 65+
• Individuals with chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, lung issues)
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Unvaccinated people
• Those who haven’t received booster doses in the last 6–12 months

Staying updated on vaccines and boosters is the best way to lower your risk, especially if you fall into one of these groups.

How to Protect Yourself From the XFG Variant

While the virus has changed slightly, the protective measures remain largely the same:

What About Reinfection Risk?

Yes, reinfections are still possible—even among vaccinated individuals. XFG is capable of infecting people who’ve had COVID-19 in the past, especially if their last infection occurred many months ago. However, repeat infections are typically milder due to residual immune protection.

This is why updated vaccines and natural immunity from past infections together still offer strong defense, particularly against hospitalizations and deaths.

Are New Vaccines Coming?

Health officials have recommended updated COVID-19 booster shots for fall 2025, formulated to better target currently circulating strains like XFG. These vaccines are expected to roll out soon and are highly encouraged for high-risk groups.

Is This the Start of Another Major Wave?

While the rise in cases is significant, it is not currently classified as a major wave or public health emergency. Hospitalizations and death rates remain relatively stable. Still, local health departments and healthcare systems are monitoring the surge closely.

If case counts continue to rise, additional public guidance may be issued, including recommendations for masking or gathering restrictions in high-risk settings.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you or someone in your household develops severe or unusual symptoms, especially if they have a known medical condition, contact a healthcare provider. Signs that need urgent attention include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Persistent high fever
• Confusion
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Extreme fatigue that limits movement or speech

Antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of illness, especially for people in high-risk groups.

The Stratus (XFG) variant is becoming a key player in the ongoing COVID-19 landscape. While it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains, its faster spread and potential for immune evasion make it important to track.

For now, the best defense remains:

• Staying current with vaccinations,
• Recognizing early symptoms,
• Taking precautions in crowded or poorly ventilated places, and
• Isolating if you become ill.

Being aware without panic is the best approach as we move through this evolving phase of the pandemic.