New ‘Frankenstein’ covid variant in France: What symptoms to look out for?

Experts say winter vaccines are effective against new strain

An elderly woman receives an injection from a nurse
Many are expected to suffer from the new strain in coming weeks, but the Covid-19 winter vaccination campaign begins soon
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A new variant of Covid-19 dubbed ‘Frankenstein’ is on the rise in France, with cases climbing in recent weeks

Residents are being warned to keep an eye out for classic Covid-19 symptoms, including sore throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.

Other symptoms include feeling of fever, digestive problems, and shortness of breath. 

However, the classic symptom of a loss of taste and smell associated with the original Covid-19 virus is becoming rarer with subsequent strains.

Despite the gruesome name – originally used by British tabloids as the new variant is a mix of several previous strains – current evidence suggests the variant is not more dangerous than those in previous years following the original pandemic, such as Omicron. 

Current vaccines effective

The Frankenstein variant (also known as XFG) is “under surveillance,” from the World Health Organization, as it has seen “rapid growth compared to co-circulating variants globally.” 

However, despite spreading more easily than other variants, health authorities do not believe the strain is more potent.

“The vast majority of infections are mild and resolve within a few days with rest,” said Dr. Gérald Kierzek, quoted in Huffington Post

The variant “does not, to date, show any signs of greater severity,” said infectious disease specialist Anne-Claude Crémieux to France Inter

“This variant has already circulated in other countries in Asia and the United States, leading to resurgences but without any significant impact on the healthcare system,” she added.

In addition, the vaccines set to be used as part of the winter 2025/2026 flu and Covid-19 campaign are effective against the new strain, so will be useful in curbing the spread.

Covid-19 vaccines are free for those covered by France’s state healthcare system, and recommended for anyone in a vulnerable population group, including elderly and immunocompromised people. 

Health authorities in France are hoping to avoid a triple-threat of flu, Covid-19 and bronchitis, which has led to excess hospitalisations in previous winters and threatened to overwhelm hospitals. 

Find out more about the upcoming vaccination campaign that begins on October 14 in our explainer article.