It’s been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and now a new COVID-19 variant nicknamed “Frankenstein” is spreading all over the northern hemisphere, bringing with it some unusual symptoms. The Frankenstein variant, officially known as Stratus (XFG), is a recombinant form of the Omicron strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. According to statistics from the British NHS, there has been a 60% rise in hospitalisations of Stratus-infected people over the past two months. The XFG variant currently circulating is described as more contagious but no more dangerous than its predecessors.
XFG has been linked to new symptoms not related just to respiratory infections, such as toothache, a raspy voice or sudden hoarseness. Other symptoms often resemble those of a seasonal cold or flu. While XFG generally causes mild illness, officials are raising a red flag about the emerging wave of this new variant, warning people to recognise infection early and take precautions.
In France during September, 2025, suspected cases of COVID-19 infections increased by 37% in adults. SARS-CoV-2 is on the rise, but not yet at the levels reached in prior waves. Why does COVID-19 keep emerging?
Mutating COVID-19 viruses
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infections, is continuing to circulate, driven by the regular emergence of new variants resulting from mutations that enable it to partially evade immunity with seasonal resurgences similar to those of influenza.
The virus has been present in the background all year round, unlike ‘flu, which is generally seen in winter. As long as there is still partial immunity in the population, the risk is primarily for the most vulnerable individuals.
The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 can be explained by several factors:
- As the virus is constantly mutating, it can partially evade immunity;
- Antibody levels from both infection and vaccination drop over time;
- Winter conditions are conducive to transmission (low temperatures, higher rainfall, home heating and recirculated air).
How does SARS-CoV-2 mutate?
Like other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 mutates regularly. Most mutations have no real impact on the virus, but a few give it a new profile that lets it spread quickly because it’s not recognized by the body’s immune defence system so they are more capable of infecting cells.
The mutations are known as “variants”, and in the case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they often occur in the spike protein, which is the main target of vaccines and neutralizing antibodies. These variants are generally circulating at low levels, but sometimes they create waves when a new, very different variant emerges that is less susceptible to the population’s herd immunity.
Is Frankenstein more dangerous than previous waves of COVID-19
When more virulent variants emerge, the people who are more vulnerable are frail or members of the immunocompromised community (for example elderly patients or those with severe illnesses or untreated HIV infection), because the infections persist in these people for longer and have time to do more damage. That is why it is so important to keep a close eye on these individuals. In the United States, a decline in funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention has led to an increase in the number of people with HIV and could result in a higher risk from the new variant.
Are existing vaccines for COVID-19 still effective?
Most infections by COVID-19 cause mild symptoms, or are completely unnoticeable, especially in younger people and healthy individuals with no other risk factors. In the general population, there is a high level of herd immunity because of prior vaccination programs or previous infections. However, immunity does decline over time, so it is still important for vaccines to be continually adapted to the latest variants and rolled out regularly, the same way that influenza vaccines are cycled annually. For vulnerable populations, like over-65s, people with co-morbidities, or immunocompromised people, it is essential to give boosters whenever waves of a new variant are identified.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infections?
The most common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Blocked or runny nose
- Fevers
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue and body aches
Some people also get eye infections, like red-eye (conjunctivitis).
What are the recommendations for dealing with COVID-19?
Health authorities try to weaken the chain of transmission of the virus, with particular steps like:
- Isolating people who are infected or ill;
- Vaccination of people at high risk
- Keeping home and office environments well aired
- Advising people to adopt hygiene and distancing measures, especially if they test positive and/or experience symptoms
- Encouraging or enforcing wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, etc.
- Issuing vaccination recommendations.
What is the Frankenstein variant?
Viruses can undergo changes in their genetic structures over time. These changes sometimes occur as small mutations. At other times, genetic fragments of different subtypes combine, resulting in recombinant variants. The Frankenstein variant has been named in this way because of its characteristic of combining other viral fragments.
Scientists are closely monitoring whether the new hybrid structures of the virus can more easily escape the immune system.
What are the symptoms of the Frankenstein variant?
The symptoms of the Frankenstein variant are quite similar to previous COVID-19 symptoms. Usually, the symptoms of the Frankenstein variant include cold-like mild symptoms. While the symptoms may be mild in some individuals, it can be more severe in those with weakened immune systems. When symptoms are serious, especially shortness of breath, chest pain, or high fever, or they persist for more than a few days, consult a doctor.
What are the treatment methods for the Frankenstein variant?
There is no specific treatment for the Frankenstein variant. The treatment process is similar to methods used for other COVID-19 variants. Symptom-specific treatments should be chosen based on the course of the disease. Balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and stress management can boost the immune system and increase resistance to infections.
Prevention is better than cure!
Existing vaccines are still in reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Although the level of protection against new variants may not be as high as it was with the initial doses, vaccines are still the major preventive measure.
Steps like regular testing, self-isolation if positive, avoiding infected people, using well-ventilated spaces for gatherings, frequent hand washing and wearing masks can sharply reduce the risk of infections spreading.
Personal protection barrier sprays like NOWONDER™ (formerly Enovid) or Nasodine Nasal Spray® are easy to take with you whenever you are going to be exposed to infected people, like on public transport, at work or just mingling in public. Enovid creates a barrier of nitric oxide in the nasal passages, preventing the virus from reaching the lungs. It is effective against all COVID-19 mutations, including the new variants, providing a 99.9% virus inactivation rate.
Why is it called the Frankenstein variant?
The name Frankenstein is familiar to most people, but it wasn’t chosen to frighten. It’s a metaphor because the variant is a recombinant of multiple SARS CoV-2 sublineages. It is a genetic mix that combines traits from different versions of the virus. The scientific name formal term used by health authorities is Stratus (XFG).
