ITV's resident medical expert Dr Hilary Jones has issued a stark warning about the rapid spread of a new Covid-19 variant known as 'Stratus' across the UK. The prominent broadcaster expressed serious concerns about the strain's ability to evade immunity and its unusual symptom profile.
What Makes Stratus Different?
The newly identified Stratus variant is demonstrating concerning characteristics that distinguish it from previous strains. Unlike earlier variants that primarily affected respiratory systems, Stratus appears to cause more diverse symptoms that many people might mistake for other common illnesses.
"We're seeing patients presenting with symptoms they don't necessarily recognise as Covid," Dr Hilary explained during his regular Good Morning Britain segment. "This includes severe fatigue that lasts for days, persistent headaches that don't respond to normal painkillers, and gastrointestinal issues that people often attribute to food poisoning or stomach bugs."
Vaccine Effectiveness Concerns
Perhaps most worrying is the variant's potential to bypass existing immunity. "The Stratus variant has developed mutations that make it more capable of evading the protection offered by previous vaccinations and infections," Dr Hilary warned.
He emphasised that while current vaccines still provide some protection against severe illness, their effectiveness at preventing infection appears reduced. This has led to a significant increase in breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated individuals.
Who's Most at Risk?
Current data suggests that certain groups remain particularly vulnerable to the Stratus variant:
- Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems
- People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues
- Those whose last vaccine dose was more than six months ago
- Healthcare workers and others with high exposure risks
Protective Measures Recommended
Dr Hilary stressed that familiar prevention strategies remain crucial in combating the new variant's spread:
- Consider mask-wearing in crowded indoor spaces and on public transport
- Ensure good ventilation when meeting others indoors
- Stay updated with booster vaccinations as they become available
- Practice regular hand hygiene and surface cleaning
- Stay home if experiencing any symptoms, even mild ones
The medical expert concluded with a sobering reminder: "We cannot afford to be complacent. The pandemic isn't over, and variants like Stratus show that Covid-19 continues to evolve in ways that can surprise us. Staying vigilant and following public health guidance remains our best defence."
