New Corona variant is spreading
Stratus or cold? This is how you recognize what you are suffering from
Updated 10/13/2025 – 1:47 p.mLesedauer: 2 min.
Hoarseness and runny nose: Many symptoms of the new Corona variant Stratus are similar to those of a common cold. But there are subtle differences that you should pay attention to.
Many infected people report hoarseness and difficulty swallowing, which at first glance seems like a harmless cold. But the symptoms could be due to infection with the coronavirus. Anyone who knows the differences can better assess whether a corona test makes sense.
According to current knowledge, the symptoms of the new Corona variant Stratus do not differ from those of other omicron subvariants.
Corona infected people often complain about:
Occasionally, gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea also occur. However, a loss of sense of smell and taste – once a typical corona sign – hardly occurs anymore with Stratus.
The common cold is caused by other viruses, such as rhinoviruses. It often begins gradually with sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, a mild scratchy throat and occasionally a cough. Fever is rare with colds, as are severe body or muscle pains. The symptoms usually subside after a few days.
Even though Stratus causes mild symptoms in many cases, those affected should take their symptoms seriously. Anyone who develops a severe hoarseness, cough or fever should take a corona test to be on the safe side, especially if there is upcoming contact with risk groups. For older people or people with previous illnesses, a corona infection can still be serious.
