Covid’s Back With Stratus And Nimbus - Here’s How To Spot The Difference

It’s been years since the world first learned to live with COVID, but the virus hasn’t gone away. Instead, it keeps evolving. Today, new variants are circulating again, bringing slightly different symptoms and new ways of making people miserable.

While we’ve gotten used to hearing about new strains, the latest ones, nicknamed Stratus and Nimbus, are proving that Covid still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Back in 2020, people knew what to look for: a fever, chills, coughing, or the sudden inability to taste or smell anything. Those signs were burned into public awareness.

But now, with each mutation changing how the virus behaves, telling the difference between COVID, the flu, and a regular cold has become frustratingly difficult. You can’t always trust the symptoms you used to rely on.

The good news is that doctors say these two latest variants, Stratus and Nimbus, have some clear differences that can help you figure out what’s going on if you fall sick.

According to Dr. Bruno Silvester Lopes, a lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University, the two variants affect different parts of the body. He explained to the Manchester Evening News that

“Stratus is linked to hoarseness and fatigue, whereas Nimbus is associated with a ‘razor-blade’ sore throat and digestive symptoms like nausea and bloating.”

In other words, the kind of discomfort you feel might hint at which strain you’re dealing with.

New COVID-19 strains Nimbus and Stratus spread fast but show no increased severity.

Both variants are highly contagious, though health experts stress that neither appears more severe than what we’ve seen before. The World Health Organization describes Nimbus as “highly infectious due to its strong ability to bind to human cells,” while Stratus has “marginal additional immune evasion” compared to Nimbus.

Simply put, they spread easily but aren’t necessarily more dangerous. So, what does this mean for people actually feeling under the weather?

If you’re in the UK, Nimbus seems to be the dominant strain right now, while in the US, Stratus is more common. Their symptoms overlap, but there are clues to tell them apart.

A razor-sharp sore throat that feels like swallowing glass, paired with nausea or bloating, likely points to Nimbus. A dry, persistent cough, exhaustion, and fever suggest Stratus.

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According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the general symptoms of Covid still include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, and changes to taste or smell. But not everyone experiences all of them, and the newer variants often skip a few.

The NHS recommends drinking plenty of fluids and soothing a sore throat with honey if you suspect you’ve caught Nimbus. For Stratus, rest and managing fever are key. Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, testing or speaking to a doctor is always wise—especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health expert, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the distinct symptoms associated with new COVID variants like Stratus and Nimbus. She points out that while common symptoms such as cough and fatigue persist, new variants may also present with unique indicators like gastrointestinal issues or sudden loss of taste.

"It's crucial for individuals to stay informed and consult reliable health sources if they notice atypical symptoms," she advises. Her insights underline the idea that staying vigilant can help us manage our health better during these evolving times.

Cold or Covid? How to tell which virus is making you sick.

But what if it’s not Covid at all? You might just have a cold. As Dr. Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, explained,

“Colds are caused by a bunch of different viruses, but the most common culprit is the rhinovirus, a tiny troublemaker that loves to set up camp in your nose and throat.”

COVID-19, by contrast, is caused by a single virus, SARS-CoV-2, and usually spreads deeper into the respiratory system. Both illnesses can bring on a sore throat, cough, and runny nose, but COVID tends to hit harder.

“Covid is more likely to make you feel wiped out, like you’ve been hit by a truck, whereas a cold tends to stay in your head and chest,” Dr. Tang added.Pexels

The takeaway? You probably don’t need to panic over every sniffle, but it helps to pay attention. A painful throat that feels like sandpaper, or a sudden wave of nausea, might hint at Nimbus.

Lingering fatigue and a stubborn cough could point to Stratus. And if it’s just a mild runny nose with no fever or body aches, chances are, it’s a regular cold doing its rounds.

Five years after the first lockdowns, Covid continues to adapt, and so should we. While the newer strains may not be more severe, they serve as a reminder that the virus isn’t finished with us yet.

Keeping an eye on symptoms, staying hydrated, and giving your body time to rest are still the best tools we have. The world might have moved on, but Covid clearly hasn’t.

Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and digital health expert, stresses the role of vaccination in combating these new COVID variants. He states that even with the emergence of variants like Nimbus, vaccines continue to provide significant protection against severe illness.

Dr. Topol encourages people to get booster shots as they become available, reminding us that maintaining immunity is essential in preventing the spread. He notes, "Vaccines are our best defense, not just for ourselves, but for our communities as well." This proactive approach can make a substantial difference in public health.

Psychological Insights & Implications

In summary, as COVID variants like Stratus and Nimbus continue to evolve, it's vital for individuals to remain informed and proactive. Experts like Dr. Leana Wen and Dr. Eric Topol highlight the necessity of recognizing new symptoms and the importance of vaccination. By staying updated and consulting reliable sources for health information, we can better manage our well-being during these challenging times.

Ultimately, a collective effort to maintain immunity and recognize warning signs will significantly aid in curbing the impact of these variants on our communities.