The XFG strain, nicknamed “Stratus,” is the predominant variant currently circulating. It has been on the rise since May in the United States and comprised 65% of variants in circulation as of Aug. 9, according to the CDC.

The post What to Know About the Stratus Covid Variant That’s Spreading Right Now appeared first on Katie Couric Media. A PSA for those of us having a thirsty summer—and not in a good way. Dad couldn't swallow for months, was diagnosed with Stage 2 esophageal cancer. He's part of a trend of increasing GI cancers in young people.

CDC wastewater also shows the XFG variant — nicknamed stratus — is most common in the U.S. Stratus can cause a “razor blade” sore throat and is considered a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization. The WHO said the variant is only marginally better at evading people's immune systems and vaccines still work against it.