New Stratus coronavirus variant in Ukraine: symptoms and protection according to doctors.

The new Stratus coronavirus variant has been recorded in eight regions of Ukraine. The virus may be more dangerous than the already known Omicron.

Doctors have warned Ukrainians about the main symptoms of the new virus and ways to protect themselves.

What we know about the new COVID-19 variant

Acting Director General of the Public Health Center of Ukraine Oleksiy Danylenko reported that the Stratus variant is currently among the two most widespread in the world. The second is NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), which has not yet been detected in Ukraine.

As of July 16, symptoms of infection caused by Stratus have been recorded in eight regions of Ukraine:

• Vinnytsia region
• Dnipropetrovsk region
• Zhytomyr region
• Chernihiv region
• Zaporizhia region
• Poltava region
• Kyiv city
• Kyiv region

According to Danylenko, Stratus spreads faster than the familiar Omicron, but does not cause a severe course of the disease. The most common symptom is wheezing in the upper respiratory tract. The medical system is not overloaded, and the summer surge in morbidity is typical for this time of year.

However, family doctor Vita Oleshchenko from the Singapore Medical Center notes that in many patients, Stratus causes severe weakness — so much so that people literally 'fall off their feet'. At the same time, blood tests often remain within normal limits, indicating a late immune response. Among other symptoms, she mentioned:

• loss of voice;
• cough;
• sore throat;

How to protect yourself

Both experts agree that the most effective protection is vaccination against Covid-19.

For most people, one dose is enough to reduce the risk of infection. Revaccination every 6-12 months is recommended for at-risk groups:

• people with chronic diseases;
• people with weak immune systems;
• people over 60;
• pregnant women;
• medical personnel, military, and others who are constantly in high-risk areas.

Earlier, the doctor warned about why it is necessary to definitely have .

It was also revealed under the medical insurance program.

The emergence of the new Stratus coronavirus variant in Ukraine has caused some outrage and discussion about familiar protective measures. Doctors emphasize the importance of vaccination and stress the need to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Specific symptoms of the new variant and possible consequences should be clarified and taken into account for timely response to the disease.