The current dominant COVID-19 variants: What you should know

COVID-19 is getting around, causing sore throats, congestion and coughing.

There are currently two dominant circulating strains of COVID-19: SW.2 and XFG 1.1. Both stem from prior omicron strains of COVID-19.

Symptoms of the newest COVID variant

The symptoms of the XFG and SW COVID-19 strains are similar to previous strains. There’s no current evidence that these variants lead to more severe disease or deaths than previous variants.

Typical COVID “Stratus” variant symptoms include:

• congestion
• cough
• fever
• headache
• sore throat
• muscle aches

How long does the new COVID variant last?

While this can vary among people, the average duration of symptoms is seven to 14 days.

Are XFG or SW variants of COVID more contagious than other variants?

These newer variants are highly contagious, but there’s no evidence that they’re causing more severe disease than prior variants of COVID-19.

What should you do if you have COVID?

If you get COVID-19, take the same steps you would if you got influenza or another respiratory virus. You can return to school or work as long as it’s been at least 24 hours since your symptoms began improving, and if you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without taking medication that reduces a fever.

You should still take certain precautions for the next five days, such as practicing good hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing a mask when you’re in close contact with other people. Those steps will reduce the risk of passing along the virus to others. Even though you may be feeling better, it may be possible to transmit the virus to others during this time.

When should you be concerned if you have COVID?

You should seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• inability to eat or drink

If you’re getting worse and not better over time, that would also be a reason to seek out your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 testing

Testing for COVID-19 can be beneficial for those who may benefit from receiving antiviral treatment such as adults over 65 and people who are immunocompromised or have other chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.

Treatments for COVID-19 should be started within five days of symptoms beginning, though earlier is better.

Are COVID-19 vaccines available in Ohio?

The 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Ohio. They’re recommended annually for anyone 6 months and older.

Some people might benefit from an additional dose within the same year, such as children between 6 months and 4 years old and people with certain immunocompromising medical conditions. But in these cases, please check with your healthcare provider about whether an extra dose is best.

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at many retail pharmacies, in addition to some local health departments, urgent care offices and primary care offices. In central Ohio, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Columbus Public Health offer COVID-19 vaccines for people 6 months and older.

Why get a COVID-19 vaccine?

There are benefits for everyone to receive the COVID vaccine regardless of age/health status.

Vaccination against COVID-19 helps:

• protect against severe illness
• prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19
• reduce the risk for long COVID.

COVID vaccination is especially important in anyone over 65, pregnant or immunocompromised as these groups are at highest risk for severe disease, complications and death.

Are there long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective. Millions of people have received the vaccine. It’s very rare to have side effects that don’t go away after a few days.

How long does the COVID-19 vaccine last in your body?

Studies show that COVID vaccines are most effective during the first three months after the dose, and protection decreases beyond that point.

Will COVID-19 ever go away?

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that COVID will ever completely go away. The virus will likely continue to cause seasonal illnesses each year.