Current Covid variant mainly manifests itself in one symptom

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Eighty-three thousand four hundred eighteen people were reported sick to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) due to flu-like infections in calendar week 41 (October 6 to October 12, 2025). 4,033 tested positive for COVID-19. This is significantly less than in the same period a year ago, when 15,252 people were on sick leave with COVID-19. By comparison, flu-like infections accounted for 95,140 sick leave notifications a year ago.

Since COVID-19 is no longer a notifiable disease as of July 1, 2023, and tests must be paid for privately, it can be assumed that more people are infected. However, the course of the currently predominant variant is mild and, in most cases, hardly distinguishable from a flu-like infection.

According to Sentinel figures, another system for monitoring respiratory viruses in Austria, Covid numbers are not currently rising further, says virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz from MedUni Vienna. “We are still in a Covid wave, but have reached a kind of plateau phase. However, the numbers are not yet declining. Thirty-one percent of all detected respiratory viruses are currently Covid viruses,” emphasizes the physician.

According to Redlberger-Fritz, infections with rhinoviruses are also prevalent, but are declining slightly. This group of viruses is one of the most common causes of colds. They mainly affect the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, especially the nose and throat.

Like “Frankenstein”: Current variant is a hybrid of earlier variants

One virus strain currently causing illness is “Stratus,” also known as XFG. It has also been nicknamed the “Frankenstein” variant because, like the monster from the famous film, it is composed of different parts. Its genetic structure is a hybrid of several Omicron sub-variants, namely LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. However, Redlberger-Fritz emphasizes that all new Covid variants are so-called recombinants, meaning they are composed of parts of previous virus strains. The variant is characterized by its rapid spread, but it is not as dangerous as earlier variants.

There is currently no evidence that Stratus causes more severe disease than previous Omicron variants. According to the WHO and the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the mortality rate is no higher than for other variants. Stratus is considered a “variant under observation”—an increased risk to public health is not expected from the current perspective.

Hoarseness is a common symptom

One symptom in particular is likely to occur frequently with this variant: many people report hoarseness. This is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords. When the vocal cords swell, dry out, or can no longer vibrate freely, the voice sounds rough, hoarse, or breaks completely. However, hoarseness also occurs with flu-like infections or the flu, for example, and is not a clear indication of a COVID infection. This also applies to the other typical COVID symptoms that are currently occurring: fever, dry cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

Virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz does not see any particularly characteristic features of the current variant: “The symptoms can vary greatly, from a slight sore throat to a severe infection and minor hospitalizations. However, we are currently seeing few cases that require hospitalization. This is because almost everyone in Austria has already been in contact with the virus at least once or has already been vaccinated.”

Vaccinations are effective

According to experts, the approved vaccines are effective against the Stratus variant and continue to protect against severe disease progression. The COVID-19 vaccination is particularly recommended for people aged 60 and over, as well as for people at increased risk of severe disease progression, such as those with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic diseases. As part of the public vaccination program, vaccination against COVID-19 is free of charge for everyone in Austria and can be administered by a family doctor, for example. An interval of at least 12 months should be observed between the last vaccination and the last confirmed COVID-19 infection. Some risk groups, such as those with suppressed immune systems, can also be vaccinated earlier.

The available rapid COVID tests remain a tool for detecting infections. They react to the virus’s nucleocapsid protein, which has hardly changed in the currently prevalent variant. Standard rapid antigen tests continue to indicate infections as before. Like those for influenza and RSV, the tests must be paid for privately and cost around 15 euros at a GP’s office. “The tests are particularly useful for people at risk, as they can only receive the antiviral drug Paxlovid if they test positive for Covid. For everyone else, the tests are theoretically unnecessary, but rapid tests can still be purchased at pharmacies,” says Redlberger-Fritz.

The virologist advises staying at home and recovering if you have symptoms. “It is important to protect others from infection. Anyone who has symptoms can pass them on, whether it is COVID, the flu, or a rhinovirus. Wearing a mask continues to help protect those around you.”