The SARS-CoV-2 virus constantly evolves, causing the characteristics of the illness to shift over time. Public health monitoring tracks these genetic changes, which often result in new sub-variants that become globally dominant. Understanding the symptoms associated with the current prevailing form of the virus is important for individuals to recognize an infection and limit transmission. This knowledge helps distinguish COVID-19 from other common respiratory illnesses.
Identifying the Current Variant Landscape
The term “new COVID strain” refers to the latest sub-variant that has outcompeted its predecessors to become the most widespread. As of late 2025, the dominant circulating form is a sub-variant of Omicron, often referred to by its Pango lineage name, such as XFG, or sometimes by its informal nickname, Stratus. This shift is a natural part of viral evolution, where small mutations grant a competitive advantage, such as increased transmissibility or better immune evasion. Health agencies continuously monitor these sub-variants, designating them based on their potential impact on public health.
The Omicron lineage, from which XFG descends, is highly mutable, leading to constant changes in dominance among closely related variants. These new lineages share many fundamental traits but possess minor genetic differences that allow them to bypass existing antibodies more effectively. Although specific variant names change rapidly and can be confusing, their overall behavior and symptom profile remain consistent within the broader Omicron family.
Distinct Symptoms of the Current Strain
The symptoms associated with the currently dominant XFG/Stratus sub-variant primarily focus on the upper respiratory tract. They are often described as similar to a bad cold or seasonal flu. Sore throat and nasal congestion are the most frequently reported symptoms, often appearing early in the infection timeline. Many individuals also experience a fever, ranging from low-grade to pronounced, accompanied by chills and fatigue that can last for several days.
A persistent cough and body aches or muscle soreness are also common complaints. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur for a notable number of people, sometimes leading to confusion with other stomach viruses. The typical duration of these acute symptoms is five to seven days, although fatigue and cough may linger longer for some individuals.
Key Differences from Earlier COVID-19 Variants
A significant change compared to the initial waves of the pandemic is the reduced prevalence of the loss of taste and smell, which was a hallmark of earlier variants like Alpha and Delta. While this symptom can still occur, it is far less common with the current Omicron sub-variants, which cause illness that more closely resembles a typical head cold. The overall severity of the illness has decreased for most of the population, attributed largely to widespread immunity from prior infections and vaccination.
The incubation period for the current strain remains relatively short, with symptoms typically appearing around five days after exposure. Earlier variants, particularly Delta, were known for rapid progression to lower respiratory illness, but the current strains primarily cause illness in the upper airways. This shift means that while the current sub-variants are highly transmissible, the risk of severe outcomes like hospitalization is lower for individuals who are not in high-risk categories.
Current Testing and Management Guidelines
If symptoms of a respiratory illness appear, staying home and away from others is recommended to prevent spreading the infection. You can resume normal activities once you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and your other symptoms are improving. This symptom-based approach aligns COVID-19 recommendations with those for other common respiratory illnesses like influenza.
After returning to normal activities, it is advised to take extra precautions for the next five days, such as wearing a high-quality mask when around others, to minimize residual transmission risk. Testing with an at-home antigen test or a laboratory PCR test is recommended upon symptom onset to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. A positive test, particularly in a high-risk individual, makes them eligible for antiviral treatment.
The oral antiviral medication Paxlovid is the primary treatment recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. To be effective, treatment must be started within five days of symptom onset, requiring prompt testing and consultation with a healthcare provider. High-risk factors include being age 50 or older, having specific underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, or being immunocompromised.