A new Covid strain has taken hold across Ireland, with the Stratus variant, also referred to as XFG, responsible for more than three-quarters of all documented cases.
Fresh data from Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre reveals the variant has surged to 76.1 per cent of confirmed infections, a sharp rise from 49.3 per cent recorded just six weeks earlier.
During the opening week of September, Irish health authorities documented 425 fresh infections, with the overwhelming majority attributed to this rapidly spreading strain.
The World Health Organization has classified Stratus as a "variant under monitoring" due to its accelerated transmission capabilities compared to previous strains.
The Stratus variant demonstrates enhanced transmissibility
|GETTY
Medical professionals have identified a scratchy or rough quality to the voice as an unusual initial indicator of the Stratus infection, which many might dismiss as insignificant.
"One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," Harley Street GP Dr Kaywaan Khan told Cosmopolitan UK.
Vocal changes typically precede more recognisable Covid indicators such as elevated temperature and persistent coughing.
But the subtle nature of this primary symptom means individuals might not immediately recognise they have contracted the virus, potentially contributing to its rapid transmission.
The Stratus variant demonstrates enhanced transmissibility alongside an expanded symptom profile that extends beyond typical Covid presentations.
Medical experts have documented additional indicators, including blocked nasal passages, throat discomfort, digestive disturbances and exhaustion.
Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, cautioned that Stratus manifests "a wider range of symptoms" compared to earlier variants.
"There's a little bit more sore throats with some people, particularly in those who are older, who didn't get vaccinated last year. It's more transmissible, so we expect that a lot of people will get it," the expert told SFGATE. "Particularly with kids going back to school, a sniffle is likely going to be Covid."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Vocal changes may precede more recognisable Covid indicators
| GETTYDespite the emergence of new symptoms, Ireland's HSE maintains its existing Covid protocols for those experiencing illness.
The health service advises anyone with Covid symptoms who feels unwell to remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or completely resolved.
They should also avoid contact with others, particularly those vulnerable to severe Covid outcomes. Testing is not required unless specifically recommended by a GP or healthcare provider.
The NHS has compiled an extensive symptom list for Covid-19, which includes:
- High temperature or chills
- Persistent coughing
- Altered smell or taste
- Breathing difficulties
- Exhaustion
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Throat pain
- Nasal congestion
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting