The ongoing evolution of the Coronavirus continues to present new challenges, with the emergence and spread of the "Strades" variant raising concerns among medical and research communities worldwide. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), this new variant, composed of the XFG and XFG.3 sub-lineages, is now responsible for the majority of infections in the United Kingdom, accounting for 38.3% and 32.8% of cases, respectively.One of the prominent symptoms associated with the “Strades” variant is hoarseness, in addition to traditional COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, and loss of smell and taste. Health officials are closely monitoring the severity and transmissibility of this new strain to determine its potential impact on public health.
In related news, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, revealed that children and adolescents who contract COVID-19 twice are twice as likely to develop “long COVID” compared to those infected only once. “Long COVID” is defined as the persistence of symptoms for more than 12 weeks and includes severe fatigue, shortness of breath, joint and muscle pain, and memory and concentration problems.
The NIH study also issued a warning about the increased risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) following a second COVID-19 infection, with the risk rising threefold. Myocarditis is a potentially life-threatening condition. Researchers emphasize the importance of vaccination and booster shots in preventing severe illness and reducing the risk of long-term complications, especially in vulnerable populations like children and adolescents.
These findings underscore the continued importance of preventative measures, including vaccination, masking, and social distancing, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its evolving variants. Public health officials are urging individuals to stay informed and follow recommended guidelines to protect themselves and their communities.
Keywords: Strades variant, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Long COVID, Myocarditis, UKHSA, NIH, Public Health, Vaccination, XFG, XFG.3, Symptoms, Pandemic, Health News
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Written by Noor Eleslam
