There’s a new variant of COVID-19 spreading, nicknamed “Frankenstein,” and it has now been detected in Canada. The strain, officially known as XFG, is part of the Omicron family and earned its nickname because it combines genetic material from two Omicron subvariants.‘Frankenstein’ COVID-19 Variant Hits Canada“As of October 2025, XFG (sometimes referred to as the ‘stratus’ or ‘Frankenstein’ variant) is the most common COVID-19 variant in Canada, according to the weekly variant breakdown and the wastewater monitoring dashboard,” the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said in an email. The agency categorized XFG as a “variant under monitoring” and confirmed that Canadian scientists are closely watching its spread and potential impact.Should You Be Worried About The Frankenstein Strain In Canada?PHAC noted that while most COVID-19 indicators are rising nationally, trends differ by province and territory. “At this time, there is no evidence that the currently circulating COVID-19 variants in Canada are causing more severe illness,” the agency said. Interestingly, the Frankenstein variant has also appeared in countries such as the U.S., U.K., and France, and authorities there have indicated it is not particularly dangerous and can be managed with standard precautions.What Is The Frankenstein Variant?The World Health Organization (WHO) says that recent increases in COVID-19 cases are linked to a new variant called XFG, nicknamed “Frankenstein” because it is a recombinant virus, meaning it carries genetic material from two subtypes: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The WHO has been tracking XFG since June 25, 2025, and it has now been found in several countries. Current evidence suggests that the overall public health risk remains low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to continue preventing severe illness and symptomatic infection.Precautions To Stay Safe From Frankenstein VariantDuring the respiratory illness season, PHAC reminds everyone to stay current on recommended vaccines, including those for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).“These vaccines offer strong protection against serious illness. Check with your healthcare provider or local public health authority about which vaccines are right for you,” the agency advised.Additionally, individuals can take personal measures to reduce the risk of catching or spreading respiratory illnesses.PHAC explained that infectious diseases can spread through person-to-person contact or via contaminated surfaces, so using multiple precautions together is most effective.Personal protective measures include:Staying home when feeling unwellWearing a well-fitting mask or respirator when appropriate, including: if you are sick and need to be around others; during seasons when respiratory illnesses are more common, such as fall and winter; in closed or crowded spaces; and if you have personal risk factors (for example, higher risk for serious complications, or frequent contact with vulnerable people such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems)Improving ventilation indoors whenever possibleWashing hands frequentlyCovering coughs and sneezesCleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects
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