A new COVID variant is spreading in US. Symptoms? Do tests still work? Info in MS
A new COVID-19 variant has been quickly spreading across the United States over the last few months, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
XFG — also known as “Stratus” — was first detected in the U.S. in March and is currently the dominant variant, according to the CDC.
The variant had spread to 38 countries as of June, according to the World Health Organization.
“XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally,” WHO said in a June update.
Data did not show signs of more severe illness or deaths for XFG than the other variants, according to WHO.
Here’s what Mississippians need to know about XFG as it spreads.
Has the new COVID variant reached MS?
It’s likely that XFG has reached Mississippi as the new variant accounted for 77% of total cases in the country as of Sept. 13, according to the CDC.
But levels of respiratory illness — including COVID, the common cold, flu and RSV — have been decreasing and are “very low” in the state as of Sept. 19, according to CDC data.
While there are more reported emergency department visits for COVID than flu or RSV, reports are still at a low level and continue decreasing, according to the data.
What are the symptoms of the new variant?
Many of the symptoms of the XFG variant are similar to other COVID variants, with some of the most common symptoms being coughing, tiredness or fatigue and fever, according to Stony Brook Medicine.
Other symptoms people may notice are the following, according to the health hub:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Headaches and body aches
- Upset stomach, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Loss of taste or smell
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Will at-home COVID tests detect the new variant?
Yes, at-home tests should be able to detect XFG as the tests have generally been able to identify different COVID variants, according to research.
“The antigen that the at-home tests look for has remained fairly stable even as the virus mutates and new strains of COVID develop,” Michelle Chan, an infectious disease physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and medicine instructor at Harvard Medical School, told Harvard Health Publishing.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends testing immediately if you have symptoms or if you were exposed to someone who has COVID.
Will current COVID vaccines protect against the new variant?
Yes, according to guidance from the WHO, currently approved COVID vaccines should remain effective against the XFG variant.
Can you get the COVID vaccine in MS?
Yes. In Mississippi, anyone who is six months of age or older can receive a COVID vaccine, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Mississippians can be vaccinated at a doctor’s office, pharmacy or one of MSDH’s vaccination sites, and Mississippians without insurance can receive a free vaccine from MSDH, according to the agency.
5 tips to prevent the spread of COVID
Here are five tips to help protect yourself and others, according to the CDC:
1. Stay current on COVID vaccines
2. Practice good hygiene
3. Take steps for cleaner air
4. Wear a mask and put distance between yourself and others
5. Get tested for COVID
