Immune Systems Advisor

The Stratus variant, scientifically designated as XFG, is a sublineage of the Omicron family of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19). The XFG strain is a hybrid of two other Omicron sub variants: LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. For the four-week period ending December 20, 2025 ( CDC.gov ), the dominant variant nationwide is XFG, with 61% of cases, followed by XFG.14.1, with 15% of cases, and XFG.1, with 5% of cases. Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, NW.1 and XFZ." It was first detected in Southeast Asia in January 2025 and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) on June 25, 2025. XFG is characterized by specific genetic mutations, including JF1 + S:T22N, S:S31P, S:R190S, S:R346T, S:K444R, S:V445R, S:F456L, S:N487D, S:Q493E, and S:T572I, which contribute to its increased transmissibility compared to some prior Omicron subvariants. As of late 2025, WHO assessments consistently rate the global public health risk from ...

Overview A new COVID-19 variant, identified as NB.1.8.1, has recently emerged and is drawing international attention due to its increasing prevalence, particularly in China, and its detection in the United States and other countries. December 2025 Update: The Stratus Variant (XFG): Symptoms, Global Spread, and Impact in Late 2025 1. Emergence and Spread of NB.1.8.1 Origin and Detection: NB.1.8.1 was first identified as a significant driver of rising COVID-19 cases in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed its presence in the United States, though as of late May 2025, fewer than 20 cases had been reported domestically. Global Spread: The World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple health authorities have noted that NB.1.8.1 is now spreading worldwide, with cases reported in several countries. Its rapid dissemination has raised concerns about potential increases in COVID-19 cases in various regions. 2. Variant Characteristics Genetic Profile: NB.1.8.1...

A newer COVID-19 variant may be causing a severe sore throat in some people who contract the infection. The variant, known as NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), has been nicknamed by some as "razor blade throat" due to the painful symptom . Dr. McCullough appeared on Real America’s Voice Just the News with Amanda Head and said that the sore throat means the virus has been in the nasal cavity silently reproducing for at least five days before the onset of the sore throat. Because vaccines don’t work, the only way to help reduce the risk of Nimbus is twice daily nasal sprays and gargles. It must be done routinely and not just in reaction to the onset of symptoms where it is too late. COVID-19 Variant "Nimbus" NB.1.8.1 Causing 'Razor Blade Throat' by Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH Strong Call for Twice Daily Nasal Spray and Gargle Regimen Read on Substack COVID-19 Variant "Nimbus" NB.1.8.1 Causing 'Razor Blade Throat' Strong Call for Twice Daily Nasal Spr...

The COVID-19 Omicron variants replicate to achieve high viral loads in the throat. Therefore, appropriate mouthwashes will likely reduce the viral load in the throat and thereby reducing the risk of severe disease due to the viral load in the lungs. Credit: covid19criticalcare.com One of the key approaches to minimize the risk of severe COVID-19 and also transmission would be to reduce the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the saliva and throat.  Mouthwash is part of the FLCCC  I-PREVENT Protocol Best Mouthwashes for COVID-19 according to Evidence There are lots of great mouthwashes out there, and this list is by no means complete. We’ve included therapeutic mouthwashes with proven anti-COVID-19 ingredient, you can buy over the counter. 1. Betadine (Povidone Iodine) Gargle - Mouthwash with 1% povidone iodine Buy on Amazon  (US) Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 (more than 3,000 ratings) The antiseptic povidone-iodine has immediate virucidal effects against COVID-19 virus. Ther...

More than five years since COVID was  declared a pandemic , we’re still facing the regular emergence of new variants of the virus, SARS-CoV-2. The latest variant on the rise is LP.8.1. It’s  increasing in Australia , making up close to  one in five COVID cases  in New South Wales. Elsewhere it’s become even more dominant, comprising at least three in five cases  in the United Kingdom , for example. So what is LP.8.1? And is it cause for concern? Let’s look at what we know so far. Update: LP.8.1 is no longer the latest variant. The current variant of concern is NB.1.8.1, also known as "Nimbus." This Omicron subvariant has become the dominant strain in the United States as of mid-2025 and is characterized by symptoms such as a severe sore throat—often described as a "razor blade throat"—along with cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. While highly transmissible, NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe disease than previ...