Health Tips Amid the Surge: Protecting Against COVID‑19 from the “Stratus” (XFG) Variant
Introduction Over the past few weeks, the ‘Stratus’ variant—scientifically known as XFG—has been gaining ground across the United States, contributing to a visible late‑summer surge in COVID‑19 cases. Although health authorities classify it as a “variant under monitoring” with a generally low risk of more severe illness, its rapid spread and some distinctive symptoms warrant attention. This post offers practical health tips to help you protect yourself and your family, explains what to watch for symptom-wise, and highlights key preventive behaviors to reduce your risk. Understanding the Stratus (XFG) Variant What is it? Stratus (XFG) is a recombinant Omicron subvariant, born from the fusion of two earlier lineages: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 . Prevalence: First detected in Canada in early 2025, it has quickly spread to at least 38 countries. By late May–June, it accounted for roughly 22.7% of global COVID‑19 cases . In the U.S., it rose from near 0% in March to about 14% of cas...