America’s summer Covid surge is producing new symptoms. Here’s what to look out for

Key Points:

• The dominant Covid variant spreading in the U.S. this summer is an offshoot called XFG or “Stratus,” first detected in January 2025, which presents typical symptoms like cough and fever along with increased gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Covid cases are experiencing an end-of-summer surge across most states, with positive test rates rising since June, though the current spike is smaller than previous summer waves.
• Experts warn that up to 10-15% of the U.S. population could be infected during this wave, especially as children return to school, but most symptoms remain manageable at home with fluids and symptom relief.
• Other variants like the Omicron BA 3.2 “Cicada” strain have caused hospitalizations earlier in the year and present symptoms easily confused with colds or allergies, while new symptoms such as red itchy eyes and sore throats have also been reported.
• Scientists emphasize that Covid will continue to mutate, but updated vaccines expected this fall aim to enhance protection, and overall Covid-related deaths and severe cases have declined since last year.