File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has detected a new sub-variant of COVID-19, known as XFG, or "Stratus," with 23 infections recorded since April, according to Dr. Yongyos Thammawut, director-general of the Medical Sciences Department. This development comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated XFG a variant to monitor on 25th June, highlighting its rapid spread and potential to evade the immune system. There is, however, currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe symptoms than other sub-variants.

 

Originating from the Omicron lineage, XFG is one of over a thousand such cases being scrutinised globally. The variant has sparked particular interest due to its speed of transmission, raising concerns about its impact in the coming months.

 

The Medical Sciences Department in Thailand has been diligently analysing the genetic sequences of COVID-19 from 236 samples collected from 26th May to 23rd June. Findings reveal that 83.9% of the samples were of the NB.1.8.1 sub-variant, 6.8% were XDG, and 5.9% were XEC. Although currently a minority, XFG is anticipated to become the predominant strain, according to Dr. Yongyos.

 

This potential rise of XFG could shape the next phase of the pandemic. Understanding its behaviour and impact on public health will be crucial. Global health communities are encouraged to stay vigilant as new information emerges about this sub-variant.

 

As countries ease restrictions, keeping a watchful eye on variant developments remains a priority. The impact of XFG and how it interacts with vaccine-induced immunity will be a key focus for researchers. Continuous monitoring and timely updates will help inform policy decisions and public health strategies.

 

Thailand, with its robust health infrastructure, is well-equipped to handle emerging threats. But as XFG’s nature is studied further, staying informed and cautious will be vital for both citizens and officials alike.

 

Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk. The global community awaits further insights as experts delve deeper into XFG's characteristics and potential implications.

 

In the meantime, international and local experts will collaborate to ensure timely response and appropriate measures to tackle any challenges posed by this new sub-variant. With vigilance and cooperation, the world can face the uncertainties of XFG. Thai officials are committed to sharing their findings with the world, contributing to the global effort against the pandemic.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-10

 

 

5 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

There is, however, currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe symptoms than other sub-variants.

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around. The nature of this virus is that sub-variants are continuously replaced with other sub-variants, some of which will become dominant, with all of them resulting in non-severe symptoms for the vast majority.

Of course here is the reason why ..,

"Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk."

 

6 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

World Health Organisation (WHO) designated XFG

 

Official information is here: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/documents/epp/tracking-sars-cov-2/25062025_xfg_ire.pdf

 

Quote

 

Executive Summary:

XFG has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with increasing proportions globally. 
Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by XFG is evaluated as low at the 
global level. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against 
symptomatic and severe disease. Several countries in the South-East Asia Region have reported a 
simultaneous rise in new cases and hospitalisations, where XFG has been widely detected. Current data do 
not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness or deaths than other variants in circulation.

 

 

 

Sorry, I don't sense a big pharma conspiracy here. It's just a technical note.

 

 

10 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around.

 

I dont know, it was quite useful in diagnosing the sniffles I had for 20 mins last Tuesday. 

3 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

I dont know, it was quite useful in diagnosing the sniffles I had for 20 mins last Tuesday. 

 

Get some waccines. 

 

3 or 4 should help...or maybe 5?

 

10 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around.

To scare you. FXG Stratus, pretty scary isn’t it?

2 minutes ago, faraday said:

 

Get some waccines. 

 

3 or 4 should help...or maybe 5?

 

 

I dont think you are taking this seriously 😷

2 minutes ago, novacova said:

To scare you. FXG Stratus, pretty scary isn’t it?

 Sounds like a cheap aftershave. 

 

FXG...For Men 

🌟 This thread brought to you by the Moderna Pfizer monopoly consortium

 

🙋 I guess last week's RAZOR THROAT scare wasn't enough to generate vax sales 🤷‍♂️

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has detected a new sub-variant of COVID-19, known as XFG, or "Stratus," with 23 infections recorded since April, according to Dr. Yongyos Thammawut, director-general of the Medical Sciences Department. This development comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated XFG a variant to monitor on 25th June, highlighting its rapid spread and potential to evade the immune system. There is, however, currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe symptoms than other sub-variants.

 

Originating from the Omicron lineage, XFG is one of over a thousand such cases being scrutinised globally. The variant has sparked particular interest due to its speed of transmission, raising concerns about its impact in the coming months.

 

The Medical Sciences Department in Thailand has been diligently analysing the genetic sequences of COVID-19 from 236 samples collected from 26th May to 23rd June. Findings reveal that 83.9% of the samples were of the NB.1.8.1 sub-variant, 6.8% were XDG, and 5.9% were XEC. Although currently a minority, XFG is anticipated to become the predominant strain, according to Dr. Yongyos.

 

This potential rise of XFG could shape the next phase of the pandemic. Understanding its behaviour and impact on public health will be crucial. Global health communities are encouraged to stay vigilant as new information emerges about this sub-variant.

 

As countries ease restrictions, keeping a watchful eye on variant developments remains a priority. The impact of XFG and how it interacts with vaccine-induced immunity will be a key focus for researchers. Continuous monitoring and timely updates will help inform policy decisions and public health strategies.

 

Thailand, with its robust health infrastructure, is well-equipped to handle emerging threats. But as XFG’s nature is studied further, staying informed and cautious will be vital for both citizens and officials alike.

 

Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk. The global community awaits further insights as experts delve deeper into XFG's characteristics and potential implications.

 

In the meantime, international and local experts will collaborate to ensure timely response and appropriate measures to tackle any challenges posed by this new sub-variant. With vigilance and cooperation, the world can face the uncertainties of XFG. Thai officials are committed to sharing their findings with the world, contributing to the global effort against the pandemic.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-10

 

 

For anyone that paid attention during covidcon, we were told that covid wasnt going anywhere and to live with it.... but some think its still newsworthy to tell everyone.

 

Surprised this thread wasnt started by Dog mask John

1 minute ago, faraday said:

 Sounds like a cheap aftershave. 

 

FXG...For Men 

They concoct goofy acronyms and labels in hopes to instill fear into the pin cushions.

Just now, frank83628 said:

Surprised this thread wasnt started by Dog mask John

 

TJIB will be along shortly to post more disinformation 😉

Just now, KhaoHom said:

 

TJIB will be along shortly to post more disinformation 😉

All his posts are AI generated, nobody has time to write the crap he does.

1 minute ago, KhaoHom said:

 

TJIB will be along shortly to post more disinformation 😉

& pounding on the report button 

11 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around. The nature of this virus is that sub-variants are continuously replaced with other sub-variants, some of which will become dominant, with all of them resulting in non-severe symptoms for the vast majority.

Of course here is the reason why ..,

"Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk."

And you are better versed in such topics than a director-general of the Medical Sciences Department because?? (not as many question marks needed to get point across please note).

5 minutes ago, WorriedNoodle said:

And you are better versed in such topics than a director-general of the Medical Sciences Department because?? (not as many question marks needed to get point across please note).

 

Mate

 

There's no medical science ever posted on this form 555555

2 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

Mate

 

There's no medical science ever posted on this form 555555

 

Bolleaux, we're all experts..😁

6 minutes ago, WorriedNoodle said:

And you are better versed in such topics than a director-general of the Medical Sciences Department because?? (not as many question marks needed to get point across please note).

I don't need to be "a director-general of the Medical Sciences Department" to know that sub-variants are replaced by other sub-variants and this will continue to be the case and all these sub-variants are non-severe for the vast majority and that the vast majority do not need mRNA juice injected into their bodies.

3 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

the vast majority and that the vast majority do not need mRNA juice injected into their bodies.

 

Dr Robert Malone would agree 👍👍

Please tell me this is a joke!

With the help of all the Facebook doctors 5 years ago we all now know that all viruses mutate in order to survive. They weaken at the same time.

CAN WE ALL JUST MOVE ON NOW PLEASE

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

There is, however, currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe symptoms than other sub-variants.

So why is this news and why give it a new name?

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This potential rise of XFG could shape the next phase of the pandemic.

No. Attention-seeking doctors and greedy drug companies will 'shape the next phase of this sham'

15 minutes ago, 2long said:

With the help of all the Facebook doctors 5 years ago we all now know that all viruses mutate in order to survive. They weaken at the same time.

And become more transmissible. With the increased transmissibility comes increased herd immunity and along comes a new sub-variant which in turn goes through the same process.

21 minutes ago, 2long said:

So why is this news and why give it a new name?

Science gives it a name. This happens with all viruses. As for being newsworthy it isn't. 

100 Masks ordered.    234 baht

Vaccine secured.      1000 baht

Deep clean house.    3000 baht

Deep clean car.       2390 baht

Jells, Lotion, etc...  2392 baht

Hand soup.     23098274283947234234234 baht

 

OK, phew.    Should be safe.  

Thailand would rather spend its money on drones, fighter jets and submarines than on people. The latest Covid boosters and fluvax should be available, easily & free, for everyone in Thailand, including tourists & expats.

 

Does this enrich Big Pharma? Yes. But it also keeps vulnerable people safe by herd immunity.

 

Son has had nine jabs, me four.

6 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Son has had nine jabs, me four.

Is your son in the vulnerable group?

12 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around. The nature of this virus is that sub-variants are continuously replaced with other sub-variants, some of which will become dominant, with all of them resulting in non-severe symptoms for the vast majority.

Of course here is the reason why ..,

"Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk."

 

Anything to make people scared.  They know that many years ago "new variant" meant that things were getting worse.  Even now, when "new variant" means things are actually getting better, they still want to capture that original fear.  "New variant has been discovered, therefore covid is not over, so listen to us, give us attention, give us money", something like that.

12 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Why????????????????????????? Why do they need to tell us every time a new sub-variant comes around. The nature of this virus is that sub-variants are continuously replaced with other sub-variants, some of which will become dominant, with all of them resulting in non-severe symptoms for the vast majority.

Of course here is the reason why ..,

"Health authorities remind the public to continue observing safety protocols, including vaccination, to minimise risk."

 

 

I have to agree. Since covid is now endemic, these updates on non-virulent variants only serves to dumb-down people's awareness and any claims that it reminds people to keep maintaining the hygiene procedures in place isn't proven.

 

As far as I am aware, there's been no mandatory need to keep getting vaccinated anywhere, and the original 2 shots + 1 booster is still the global standard. They have been tweaking the influenza shots for decades, but I haven't seen any announcements that indicate they are doing the same with covid shots. Won't these ineffective vaccine shots weaken the body's own natural immune system? Or is that vaccine conspiracy theorist rhetoric?

 

They should only issue a warning when there's a significantly more virulent variant doing the rounds.