A new Covid strain has been propagating in France for a few weeks: beware, its symptoms can differ from previous variants.
The world, and Europe in particular, faces a source of concern with the emergence of a new covid variant baptized “Stratus”. Experts nicknamed it “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant (or hybrid) variant of omicron composed of the XFG and XFG.3 sub-variants. Identified in January 2025, this new strain was placed “under surveillance” by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June because of its growing spread.
Frankenstein also circulates in France. The French authorities have reported an increase in indicators since the end of August 2025, including positivity rates, consultations with the doctor for suspicion of cases and an increase in emergency visits. Regions like Brittany and the west of France are cited as among the most concerned by propagation. According to experts in infectious diseases, Frankenstein seems “more contagious” and would be able to bypass the immune system, making previous vaccines less efficient and increasing the probability of reinfection.
What is also worrying is that it is distinguished from other variants by a “wider range” of symptoms and that it starts with an unusual symptom. This distinctive sign is a change of voice – a hoarse or hoarse voice – which is often accompanied by a very pronounced sore throat, like “razor blades”. “”Some people have a little worse in their throat. Especially in the elderly, who were not vaccinated last year“, Specifies Dr Peter Chin-Hong, expert in infectious diseases at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF), in comments reported by SFGATE. These two symptoms indicate that the virus affects the upper part of the respiratory tract (throat, vocal cords), which is typical of recent omicron variants. “This contrasts with more general symptoms such as coughing, fever or fatigue often associated with previous variants“He continues.
If your only symptom is a hoarse voice (with or without bad throat), you should especially isolate yourself and monitor other symptoms. If he persists beyond a week after the disappearance of other symptoms (or if he worsened), consult your general practitioner. In addition, simple hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and the use of disposable handkerchiefs are essential. Ultimately, Frankenstein is more contagious, but with a low risk, vigilance and vaccination especially for the elderly and fragile remain our best allies to cross winter serenely.
