Two new Covid variants are spreading fast across the U.S., and experts are urging caution. Stratus and Nimbus may not be as severe as the original 2020 strain, but they still bring troubling symptoms. Patients report painful sore throats, coughs, fatigue, body aches, and in some cases stomach issues.

Doctors now advise four simple steps to protect yourself and others. First, stay home if you feel sick and avoid contact with vulnerable people. Second, wear a well-fitting mask, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated places. Third, choose outdoor exercise over gyms to limit close contact. Finally, cover your mouth when coughing, wash hands often, and use sanitizer before meals. “The answer is prevention, not panic,” one health expert stressed.

Both variants are spreading rapidly. Nimbus, first detected in China, is linked to sore throats described as “razor-blade pain.” Stratus, found in Southeast Asia, is harder for the immune system to detect.

The message is clear: small precautions can save lives. Are we ready to take these simple steps seriously before cases rise again?