A rapidly spreading new Covid variant is making its way across Ireland, with medics alerting the public about the precise sequence in which symptoms typically emerge, potentially enabling earlier detection of infections.

During the past week, 481 fresh cases were documented across the country, rising from 425 the previous week. Medical authorities state the increase is primarily fuelled by the XFG variant, alternatively called Stratus, which currently represents 73% of all known infections throughout Ireland.

Dublin recorded the greatest number of fresh cases last week with 110, followed by Cork (55) and Limerick (47). By comparison, Laois documented no fresh cases, whilst Roscommon had two and Carlow and Mayo had three each.

The World Health Organization has designated Stratus as a “variant under monitoring.” Whilst it doesn’t seem to trigger more serious illness, it transmits more quickly than earlier strains – a pattern mirrored in the most recent Irish Covid statistics, reports the Irish Mirror.

What renders Stratus distinctive is the sequence and nature of symptoms it generates. Dr Kader, who provides health guidance on TikTok as @ask.doctor. k, emphasised that this variant frequently impacts the ear, nose and throat initially, before advancing to digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, bloating and acid reflux.

The doctor said: “Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid variant. It’s called Stratus or XFG, and actually the symptoms are a little bit different when compared to the previous variants. The new variant seems to be starting with ear, nose and throat symptoms, so most people are complaining about a really hoarse voice or a super sore throat. It also seems to present with more GI symptoms. A lot of people are complaining about nausea, vomiting, bloating [and] acid reflux.”

Dr Kader cautioned that whilst Stratus frequently triggers a “milder” infection, it spreads rapidly, stating: “You may have noticed that everyone is getting sick this week, and we’ve seen a huge rise in Covid cases in hospital patients, and part of the reason why infections are spreading fast is because the weather is changing, it’s getting a bit colder, people are staying indoors more and just passing the bugs to each other.”

To minimise the risk of infection, he suggests:

• Washing hands regularly
• Keeping homes well ventilated
• Considering wearing a mask in crowded places

He also touted the significance of remaining at home until symptoms subside – guidance reflected by Ireland’s official Covid recommendations.

The HSE guidance states: “If you have any symptoms of Covid and feel unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. You do not need a Covid test unless a GP or health professional tells you to.”

Whilst Stratus may lead to uncommon digestive symptoms in some individuals, the HSE continues to urge the public to be vigilant for all 18 recognised Covid symptoms, which include:

• fever (high temperature – 38C or above) – including having chills
• dry cough
• fatigue (tiredness)
• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they’re completely gone or just different to normal
• nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
• conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye)
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
• different types of skin rash
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• chills
• dizziness
• shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
• loss of appetite
• confusion
• pain or pressure in the chest

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