Covid cases rising with new variants Nimbus and Stratus

Covid cases rising with new variants Nimbus and Stratus

13 Oct, 2025

If you feel unwell with a bad throat and a temperature you may well have caught one of the new strains of Covid circulating this autumn.

XFG, called Stratus by some, and NB.1.8.1, known as Nimbus, are now the most common variants being passed around in the UK, according to officials.

Experts say these do not appear to pose any bigger threat than previous types of Covid or make people feel more ill.

But recent genetic changes the virus has acquired may make infections more likely.

Have you got a razor blade sore throat?

It is usual for viruses to evolve as they spread between people over time. When the changes become significantly different, the new virus types are known as variants.

According to some reports, there may be tell-tale symptoms with the latest ones – a hoarse voice or a “razor blade” sore throat.