New Covid variant spreading in UK has one key symptom to look out for

For many, Covid might feel like a distant concern. However, a new variant is quietly infiltrating the UK undetected and causing symptoms that could easily be dismissed as the fresh strain spreads swiftly across the nation.

The latest Covid strain, known as Stratus, comprises two variants, XFG and XFG. 3, with XFG.3 representing 40 per cent of cases in England as of June this year. The strain is accelerating rapidly with distinct early warning signs.

Across the Irish Sea, health authorities in Ireland recorded 425 new infections during the first week of September, with the Stratus variant thought to be behind the vast majority of fresh cases.

The variant now accounts for 76.1 per cent of recorded infections compared to just 49.3 per cent six weeks prior, Ireland's Health Protection Surve