Anecdotal information, over the weekend two friends from Seattle reported in recovery stages, and brain fog as a notable symptom.
That made me web search. There is a new predominant US strain, XFG also named "Stratus," a member of the virus variant family for which the last public vaccination round aimed. The strain was first seen in Southesat Asia, but is now worldwide
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/stratus-covid-variant-cases-symptoms-xfg/6393316/ reported with a map of states showing those with highest new rates. The item has a chart showing varying wastwater testing from early in the year to now, gaining lately to levels similar to the months, this year - in most recent wastewater monitoring (which of course vary site to site, and the chart a bit unclear of averaging or other detail).
Based on the calls from Seattle I did cherry pick among a few online sites.
https://health.stonybrookmedicine.edu/understanding-covid-19-variant-stratus-what-you-need-to-know/
Common Symptoms of Stratus
Most cases of COVID-19 variant Stratus are mild, particularly if you’re vaccinated or have received a booster. However, knowing what to watch for can empower you to take the right steps for your health.
Many symptoms of the 2025 Stratus mutation are like previous versions of COVID-19. The most frequent symptoms include:
- Persistent, dry cough
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Fever
Some people may also notice:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Headaches and body aches
- Upset stomach, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Loss of taste or smell (now less common)
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
If you experience these symptoms, support and treatments are available. It’s important to monitor how you feel and reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns.
Of interest the first linked item did not mention brain fog as a noteworthy symptom, One site, link not saved had "difficulty from waking" as a symptom, and a Welsh site listed "comfusion." -- with this excerpted from the first site listed (the one with the map and wastewater chart) ---
During the week ending Sept. 6, the following states and the District of Columbia reported the highest wastewater COVID viral activity levels, per the CDC:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
Symptoms of XFG Stratus variant
Currently, the symptoms of Stratus appear to be very similar to other recent omicron variants. There's no evidence that XFG causes distinct symptoms, says Schaffner.
Common symptoms of the Stratus variant include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- New loss of sense of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Recently, there have been anecdotal reports that the Stratus and Nimbus variants cause “razor blade throat" or hoarseness. However, a painful, sore throat has been a well-documented COVID symptom since 2020, says Schaffner.
The severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms can vary from person to person. It's impossible to tell whether you have COVID-19 from symptoms alone, which is why testing is important.
Minnesota and neighboring states (except South Dakota) are off that state listing. Washington is on it.
Both the friends who called from Seattle said it hit them bad, (one my age, 81, other in her 60's). but that the fog is clearing. Neither are sure yet that long covid might or might not happen.
I don't like that brain fog - neurological stuff, and even with MN not yet severe, I may mask up. Brain fog at my age is a real pisser of a possibility. I want no foggy briain whatsoever.