The post What to Know About the Stratus Covid Variant That’s Spreading Right Now appeared first on Katie Couric Media. A PSA for those of us having a thirsty summer—and not in a good way. Dad couldn't swallow for months, was diagnosed with Stage 2 esophageal cancer. He's part of a trend of increasing GI cancers in young people.

The Stratus or XFG variant transmits easily and is spreading worldwide. Stratus is a combination of variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2. While it didn’t account for a single reported U.S. case in April, it accounted for 43% of cases by the end of June.

Twelve states are seeing higher positivity rates for COVID-19 tests compared to the rest of the country, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters: Positivity rates are popping off as the "stratus" COVID variant surges throughout the country Summer outbreaks of COVID aren't surprising,