COVID Variants: Signs and Symptoms – Health.com

The coronavirus pandemic started due to the spread of the Sars CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. Like all viruses, since the first outbreak in 2019, COVID-19 has evolved. New, mutated versionsknown as variantshave developed and become predominant, and older ones have faded away. If you contract the virus, your symptoms will often depend on the variant youve caught. Other factors also play a role in your symptoms, such as vaccination status, age, and overall health.

There is a wide range of symptoms of COVID-19. Depending on the variant, symptoms develop 2-14 days after exposure and can last from several days to weeks. Understanding the current variants and their differing symptoms can be a critical way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and its complications.

Currently, COVID JN. 1 is the most prevalent variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of March 2024, this variant accounted for over 95% of cases in the United Statesa dramatic rise from November 2023, when this was just 7.8%. JN. 1 is a descendant of BA. 2.86a subvariant of Omicron (COVID B.1.1.529). Omicron spread widely after first being detected in the U.S. in December 2021.

Compared to previous variants, research suggests that while JN. 1 may be less likely to lead to severe illness and hospitalization, it may be more contagious. Like other variants of Omicron, this type has a faster incubation period (the time after infection and before symptoms). This variant takes an average of 3.4 days for symptoms to appear compared to five days for all other types.

The most common symptoms of this variant include:

Two subvariants of this type (JN. 1. 13 and JN. 1. 18) have recently been on the rise. Both subvariants cause similar symptoms and currently represent approximately 10.8% and 1.6% of U.S. cases respectively.

HV. 1 is another variant of the Omicron strain. This variant was the most dominant type in the U.S. until December 2023. According to the latest updates from the CDC, it currently represents about 0.4% of all cases in the U.S., a dramatic drop from 2023, when this variant accounted for 30% of cases.

Like JN. 1, this variant is known to be highly contagious and less severe in terms of hospitalizations and deaths. According to a study published in 2024, common signs of this variant include:

COVID BA. 2.86 (or Pirola) is a subvariant of BA. 2, which was the main Omicron variant. This variant only accounts for about 0.1% of all COVID-19 cases, as of March 2024.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called BA. 2.86 a variant of concern." There's evidence that this variant is more transmissible and contagious than other variants, even if youve been vaccinated or had a previous infection. However, vaccination is critical for preventing moderate or severe cases of this variant.

Common symptoms of the BA. 2.86 variant include:

COVID JG. 3 is a descendant of EG. 5 (Eris")another strain of the Omicron variant. Currently, this variant only represents about 0.2% of COVID cases in the U.S. This Omicron subvariant isnt associated with a higher risk of severe cases or hospitalization. While it may also be more transmissible, the current vaccines remain effective for COVID JG. 3.

Symptoms of this variant include:

In March 2024, only about 0.2% of cases in the U.S. were due to COVID BA. 2, an earlier variant of Omicron. However, in March 2022, WHO reported this variant was dominant worldwide. Researchers found BA. 2 to have 50 genetic differences from the original Omicron strain.

Due to its structural differences, BA. 2 is significantly more transmissible than earlier strains. BA. 2, like other Omicron variants, was linked with a lower rate of hospitalization and severe outcomes when compared to COVID variants (such as Delta). It also has a faster incubation periodabout 3.5 days.

COVID BA. 2 causes the following symptoms:

This Omicron subvariant first emerged in April 2023 and became one of the more dominant strains globally. But this variant has been on a decline. While COVID JD. 1. 1 represented 5.1% of COVID cases in November 2023, its prevalence is currently at about 0.1% in the U.S.

Like many other Omicron subvariants, the symptoms of JD. 1. 1 include:

COVID HK. 3 has spread worldwide. In November 2023, about 5% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 had this type. Since then, the prevalence of this variant has dropped to 0.1% of all cases.

Researchers havent found HK. 3 to lead to more severe disease compared to other variants. That said, this variant may be more contagious and have a higher risk of reinfection (getting COVID again). Fortunately, the current vaccines remain effective in preventing moderate or severe cases of this variant.

If you develop COVID HK. 3, you may notice the following symptoms:

COVID-19 is an airborne virus, meaning that the virus spreads if you inhale germs from other infected people. The virus also spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. However, you can use some preventative strategies to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing symptoms. These methods include:

It's worth noting that if you're a caretaker of an older parent, young child, or other loved one, avoiding contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 isn't always possible. However, wearing a mask when you're taking care of them and washing your hands frequently can help minimize your risk.

Seeking timely medical care can be critical for more severe cases of COVID. Your risk of complications from COVID is higher if youre over 50, have a chronic condition (like diabetes, asthma, heart or lung diseases), or are immunocompromised. If you test positive for COVID-19, it's important to let your provider know via phone call or online portal.

Consider calling your provider for extra medical support or advice on treatment options if you develop more moderate symptoms of COVID-19, such as:

Severe symptoms of COVID prompt calling 911 and getting emergency care. These include:

Like all viruses, COVID-19 has evolved and changed since it started in 2019. New variants (mutated versions) of the virus continue to emerge. COVID JN. 1 is currently the predominant U.S. variant, accounting for over 95% of infections. However, other COVID-19 variants have similar symptomssuch as cough, runny nose, congestion, fever, and body aches.

Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and isolation from people with COVID-19 are good ways to protect yourself from the virus.

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COVID Variants: Signs and Symptoms - Health.com