French health authorities are warning about a new Covid-19 strain, informally dubbed the 'Frankenstein' variant and officially known as Stratus (XFG). The variant has spread steadily since late summer and is expected to accelerate in the cooler months of autumn and winter.
Although most symptoms resemble earlier strains, doctors are observing shifts in how the virus presents and who it affects. Experts are urging the public to remain vigilant, particularly vulnerable groups, even as vaccines continue to offer protection against severe illness.
