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 XFG strain, nicknamed “Stratus,” is the predominant variant currently circulating. It has been on the rise since May in the United States and comprised 65% of variants in circulation as of Aug. 9, according to the CDC.

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,