While lockdowns and social distancing rules are now a thing of the past, unfortunately the virus which prompted such drastic measures, COVID, is still very much a part of the present.
A new Stratus sub-variant (which derived from the Omicron variant), XFG.3, is spreading throughout the UK, with UKHSA recording a 14.3% increase in coronavirus cases throughout England over the last couple of weeks.
The number of COVID-related deaths recorded during the first week of September 2025 and the first week of September 2024 showed a decline in numbers (106 vs 79).
As much as we wish COVID wasn't something we still need to be mindful of, sadly that's not the reality – so experts are warning of the key symptoms to watch out for.
Remember, many of them can cross over with the common cold or other viruses, so it's important to still take a test to confirm or rule out COVID if you feel unwell (and if you can, stay away from others when you're unwell – the thought of catching coronavirus can still be worrying for those with a weakened immune system or who are older).
XFG.3 variant symptoms to be aware of
As well as the known ones, such as a persistent cough, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, general blargh feeling and fever, the XFG.3 strain has a distinct additional symptom in some cases.
“One of the most noticeable symptoms of [any] Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice," said Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, when interviewed by Cosmopolitan UK. “Though the symptoms manifest differently and vary from person to person, the symptoms of Stratus tend to be mild to moderate.
“Regardless of whether the symptoms mimic a cold or flu, testing continues to be the critical step in eliminating the possibility of a coronavirus infection.”
He adds that if symptoms worsen after a few days or you are in a high-risk group, then it is important to speak with your GP to get personalised advice (a phone appointment could be best to reduce the risk of spreading). If your symptoms become severe, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
It's vital that we all still play our part in helping to reduce the spread of COVID and other viruses as winter approaches, Dr Khan reminds.
“As a doctor seeing and treating patients first-hand, I want to advocate a prevention is better than cure approach,” he adds. “Covid can spread easily from person to person, especially if they touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
“People can also catch Covid if they breathe in droplets from a person with Covid, who coughs out or exhales droplets. Therefore, regularly washing hands and maintaining a one metre distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing is still the best preventative advice. As well as this, staying up to date with your Covid vaccinations is advised to protect yourself from severe illness.”
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
