As with every flu season, new strains of the virus that causes COVID-19 are spreading across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world. The latest one to draw attention is the Stratus variant, also known as the “Frankenstein variant.”Scientifically labeled XFG, this variant has become increasingly dominant in Germany and several European countries since mid-2025. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have listed XFG as a variant under monitoring (VUM), meaning it is being closely tracked, though it is not yet considered a major threat. What Is the ‘Frankenstein’ Variant?The XFG variant is a recombinant strain, a mix of two earlier sub-lineages, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. Much like Frankenstein’s creature, which was stitched together from different parts, this variant combines genetic material from multiple virus lines.Such mutations are a normal part of how viruses evolve over time. The nickname “Frankenstein” first appeared during the spread of Omicron in late 2021, when new combinations of subvariants began to surface. For now, both the WHO and Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI) rate the overall risk from XFG as low.Is the Frankenstein Variant Behind Your Persistent Cough?Most infections caused by the Stratus (XFG) variant appear mild, particularly among those who are vaccinated or have received booster doses. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant has one feature that sets it apart, a persistent, dry cough that lingers long after recovery.Doctors in the UK and India have also noted other possible signs linked to this variant, including a sharp, burning throat pain and hoarseness of voice. These symptoms could explain why some people experience a cough that seems to “never go away.”Frankenstein Variant Spreads Across Germany and EuropeData from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the ECDC show that XFG has become the dominant strain in Germany since mid-2025, accounting for an increasing share of sequenced COVID-19 cases. The variant has also been detected in several other European countries, such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands.While case numbers across Europe remain relatively high, the ECDC reports that infections are gradually declining in most regions.How to Stay Safe From the Frankenstein Variant?During the respiratory illness season, health authorities continue to remind people to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including those for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).“These vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness,” the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) stated, urging individuals to consult their healthcare provider or local health authority about their eligibility.Personal safety measures include:Staying home when you feel unwellWearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or enclosed places, or if you’re sick and around othersImproving indoor ventilation wherever possibleWashing hands regularlyCovering coughs and sneezesCleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touchedThese simple precautions remain the most effective way to prevent infection and limit the spread of respiratory viruses, including new COVID-19 variants like Frankenstein (XFG).
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