Covid doctor's three key rules as new Stratus strain has 'peculiar symptoms'

A doctor has reminded Brits of three important steps to help reduce the spread of a new strain of Covid.

The Stratus strain is spreading rapidly and causes "peculiar symptoms" on top of the typical signs associated with Coronavirus. Stratus has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, and the latter accounts for a significant proportion of cases in England at the moment, experts say.

But Dr Kader, who shares medical wisdom via his TikTok channel @ask.doctor.k, has reassured Brits they can attempt to stay clear of infection by taking measures, particularly as autumn kicks in and people become more prone to illnesses.

In a TikTok clip posted this week in response to the surge in cases, the medic recommended the following three important steps to help reduce infection risks:

• Regular handwashing

• Keeping your home well-ventilated

• Consider wearing a face mask when entering crowded places

READ MORE: Pharmacist shares how long new 'Stratus' Covid lasts as symptom alert issued

READ MORE: Tumour symptom Kirsty Gallacher dismissed as a cold as she opens up on 'medical emergency'

Stratus, first discovered in January of this year and recognised as a threat to the UK in the summer, spreads faster than previous strains. Its unusual symptoms include a hoarse voice, bloating and acid reflux, signs not frequently linked to previous strains of Coronavirus.

Dr Kader 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."

While noting that Stratus often causes a "milder" infection, Dr Kader also warned that it is more contagious, revealing: "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."

The medic's TikTok clip has had more than 19,000 likes and has been reposted by more than 24,000 people. Others have left comments, including one post that reads: "I have it just now. Much worse than last time." Another TikTok user wrote: "I had a positive Covid test two days ago, and it's definitely different to when I've had Covid in the past. I'm not sneezing or coughing. It's affected my ears, and I feel dizzy and off balance."