The XFG “Stratus” COVID-19 variant, now the third most common in the US, is surging in 12 states with high positivity rates. Known for symptoms like “razor blade throat”, it spreads quickly but remains covered by current vaccines.

The “Stratus” variant (XFG) was first identified in January in Southeast Asia. By June, it accounted for 14% of COVID cases in the U.S. While the symptoms of XFG are generally consistent with other COVID variants, some patients have reported hoarseness as a potential distinguishing symptom.