What You Need to Know: New COVID Variant in the UK & Ireland & How to Stay Safe

As cooler weather and seasonal respiratory viruses return, COVID-19 remains an important health concern across the UK and Ireland. A recently identified variant—known informally as “Stratus” (with subvariants XFG and XFG.3)—is now spreading widely. While it doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness than prior Omicron variants, its greater transmissibility and some slightly different symptoms make vigilance and good prevention more important than ever.

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What we know so far

The Stratus variant is now dominant in many parts of Ireland, accounting for over 75% of new infections in recent weeks.

In England, the subvariant XFG.3 makes up around 40% of cases.

While symptoms are broadly similar to earlier strains (fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion), some people report hoarseness or a raspy voice early on.

There is no current evidence that Stratus causes more hospitalisations or deaths than earlier COVID-19 variants.

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Why this matters to Dublin & Ireland

Even if a variant is not more severe, higher transmissibility means more people infected. That leads to:

greater strain on healthcare services (hospital capacity, GP workload)

more people off work / school

higher risk for vulnerable groups: older adults, immunocompromised people, people with underlying health issues

Also, with autumn and winter approaching, there is often more crowding indoors, more time spent together in poorly ventilated spaces, and other seasonal respiratory viruses (flu, RSV) are circulating. These factors increase the risk of rapid spread.

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What to do: How to protect yourself & others

Here are practical tips to reduce risk, both individually and as a community:

1. Stay up to date with COVID vaccinations/boosters

Booster shots continue to offer strong protection, especially against severe illness, even when new subvariants are circulating.

2. Be alert to early symptoms

If you notice a hoarse or raspy voice, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, or any of the more typical symptoms (fever, cough), don’t assume it’s just a cold. Getting tested (if you have access/testing is available) helps, and isolating until you’re sure helps prevent spread.

3. Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces

Especially in public transport, clinics, hospitals, or when mixing with vulnerable people.

4. Ventilation

When indoors, open windows/doors where possible; use air purifiers if available; avoid large gatherings in small rooms.

5. Self-care when ill

Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed. Monitor symptoms, and seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or symptoms worsen.

6. Look out for vulnerable people

If you live with or care for someone older, immunocompromised, or with chronic illness, take extra care (masking, hygiene, limiting exposure) to protect them.

7. Stay informed

Public health recommendations may change. Resources like the HSE (Health Service Executive) in Ireland, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and WHO/RNA surveillance updates can provide current guidance.

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What Dublin Health Clinic is doing

At Dublin Health Clinic, we are:

monitoring the latest data on variants, cases, and symptoms

advising staff & patients about protective measures (mask-use, ventilation, hygiene)

being prepared for increases in patient load, especially for respiratory illnesses

offering COVID vaccinations / booster services & counselling for those who need them

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Final thoughts

The good news is: this new variant does not appear to increase severity, and existing vaccines still offer good protection. But because it spreads more easily, it can still result in many people getting ill, especially those most vulnerable.

We can reduce its impact by being cautious, responsive, and maintaining simple, proven public health behaviours. If you feel unwell, take precautions—not just for yourself, but for others.

Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions, symptoms, or need advice.