Introduction
Since its emergence in late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus — the cause of COVID-19 — has continued to evolve. Each new variant brings changes in how the virus spreads, how sick it makes people, and how well vaccines or treatments work. While the worst phases of the pandemic have passed, COVID-19 remains a global health concern, particularly as new variants emerge.
As of mid to late 2025, the global health community is closely monitoring several current COVID-19 variants that differ from previous strains. This article explores the latest variants, how they are spreading, what symptoms they cause, and their relative severity, along with protection strategies and public health implications.
What Are COVID-19 Variants?
Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 mutate over time. When a virus accumulates enough mutations, it can form a variant. Some of these changes may make the virus:
- Spread more easily
- Evade parts of the immune response
- Cause more or less severe illness
- Respond differently to treatments or vaccines
The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC track and name notable variants under categories such as:
- Variants of Concern (VOC)
- Variants of Interest (VOI)
- Variants Under Monitoring (VUM)
Current COVID-19 Variants (as of 2025)
As of August 2025, the following are the most discussed and studied variants globally:
1. JN.1 (Omicron Subvariant)
- Origin: Emerged from the Omicron family
- Spread: Dominant in many countries including the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia
- Key Feature: Highly transmissible but generally mild in severity
- Symptoms: Similar to other Omicron strains (sore throat, fatigue, congestion)
- Concern: Rapid transmission in densely populated areas and among vulnerable groups
2. KP.3 (FLiRT Lineage)
- Origin: Another Omicron offshoot
- Spread: Increasing in the U.S. and UK
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, mild fever
- Immune Escape: Shows moderate resistance to older immunity from prior infection or vaccination
- Risk: Higher risk of breakthrough infections, especially in unboosted individuals
3. XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16 (Earlier Omicron Descendants)
- Origin: Prominent throughout 2023–2024
- Spread: Declining but still present
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose
- Vaccine Response: Targeted in previous booster updates
- Risk: Less prevalent now, but can circulate in under-vaccinated populations
How Symptoms Differ by Variant
Though most current variants cause milder disease, especially in vaccinated individuals, the symptoms may vary slightly:
| Symptom | Common in JN.1 & KP.3 | Common in Earlier Omicron (XBB) |
| Sore Throat | ✔ | ✔ |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fatigue | ✔✔ | ✔ |
| Fever/Chills | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dry Cough | ✔✔ | ✔✔ |
| Loss of Taste/Smell | Rare | Less common |
| Shortness of Breath | Occasionally | Rare |
✔ = Common, ✔✔ = Very Common
How Contagious Are These Variants?
Highly Transmissible
- JN.1 and KP.3 spread more easily than earlier Omicron or Delta strains.
- These variants can spread even among vaccinated people, although vaccines help reduce symptoms and severe illness.
Airborne & Surface Transmission
- Primarily spreads via respiratory droplets and aerosols
- Can also spread via contaminated surfaces, although less commonly
Silent Spreaders
- Asymptomatic transmission remains a challenge.
- People may be contagious 1-2 days before symptoms appear.
Severity: Are the New Variants More Dangerous?
Generally Mild for Most People
- Especially for those with:
- Recent boosters
- Past infection
- No underlying health conditions
Higher Risk for Some
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Older adults (65+)
- People with chronic illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, obesity)
Hospitalization Trends
- Still possible with newer variants, especially in high-risk groups
- ICU admissions remain low compared to earlier waves (Delta, original strain)
Are Current Vaccines Still Effective?
Yes, but with caveats:
Protection Against Severe Disease
- Updated boosters targeting XBB and Omicron subvariants still offer strong protection against hospitalization and death.
Breakthrough Infections Possible
- Immunity wanes over time.
- Infections can still occur, but are often mild or asymptomatic in boosted individuals.
Booster Recommendations (2025)
- Annual or semi-annual boosters for:
- Adults over 50
- High-risk individuals
- Healthcare workers
- Immunocompromised people
Testing and Diagnosis
- Rapid antigen tests still detect most current variants, though sensitivity may vary.
- PCR tests remain the gold standard.
- Some labs are sequencing positive tests to track emerging strains.
Prevention and Protection Strategies
Continue with:
- Masking in crowded indoor spaces or high-risk areas
- Good hand hygiene
- Staying home when sick
- Improving indoor ventilation
Stay Up-to-Date:
- Get the latest booster as recommended by local health authorities
Test Promptly:
- Especially if you’ve been exposed or show symptoms
- Consider testing before visiting high-risk individuals
Conclusion
COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency, but the virus hasn’t disappeared. The emergence of new variants like JN.1 and KP.3 shows that SARS-CoV-2 is still evolving, and staying informed is crucial.
While the symptoms of current variants tend to be milder, they still pose risks — especially for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination, early testing, and sensible precautions remain the best defense against illness, hospitalization, and further spread.
With continued surveillance and scientific innovation, we can stay one step ahead of the virus and maintain control over future outbreaks.
FAQs:
Are the new COVID-19 variants more severe?
No, most current variants cause milder illness, especially in vaccinated people. However, high-risk individuals may still face complications.
Do current vaccines protect against JN.1 and KP.3?
Yes, updated boosters provide strong protection against severe disease, though they may not fully prevent infection.
Can I still catch COVID-19 if I had it before?
Yes. Reinfection is possible, especially with new variants that partially evade prior immunity.
Are symptoms different with new variants?
Slightly. Many report sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and cough — but loss of taste or smell is less common now.
Should I still wear a mask?
In crowded indoor spaces or during surges, yes — especially if you’re at higher risk or around vulnerable people.
