New COVID variant spreads across the U.S.: Here’s what we know about XFG

The World Health Organization recently elevated the risk level for the XFG strain of COVID to ‘variant under monitoring’ as its proportion of global infections continues to increase. Popularly known as the Stratus variant. it has also gained the moniker of a ‘Frankenstein’ strain thanks to its union of two different strains of the covid virus.

As of 22 June, XFG was present in 38 countries, including the United States, and represented 22.7% of global COVID cases, up significantly from just 7.4% four weeks earlier.

What we know about the XFG COVID strain

The XFG variant is a recombination of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 strains and is part of the Omicron group derived from the JN.1 strain. Compared to that variant, XFG has nine additional spike protein mutations, three of which it shares with NB.1.8.1, which is currently the dominant strain in the United States according to CDC data.

These adaptations “could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” according to Dr Kaywaan Khan, a general practitioner and founder of Hannah London Clinic, speaking to Cosmopolitan UK.

“Despite this, it is important to mention that Stratus seems to be no worse than earlier Omicron variants in terms of illness, hospitalizations, or deaths,” he added. This is supported by data reviewed by the WHO.

Additionally, like the NB.1.8.1 variant, XFG is derived from JN.1 which is the strain targeted by the current COVID vaccine. Data from early studies have been promising that those who have gotten their booster shot this year should enjoy some protection against severe disease and hospitalization.

What are the symptoms of XFG?

“One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice,” said Dr Khan.

Besides that, Stratus also shares most of the classic symptoms of COVID which include fever, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, and general malaise.

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