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 but also more gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Covid cases are surging across most states, with positive test rates rising since June, though the current wave is smaller than previous summer surges; experts estimate that 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population could be infected if trends continue.
• Children returning to school may face higher exposure to the Stratus variant, but severe illness remains less common in healthy kids, and most symptoms can be managed at home with fluids and over-the-counter medications.
• Other variants, including the omicron BA 3.2 "Cicada," have caused hospitalizations and present symptoms that can be mistaken for colds or allergies, while new Covid symptoms like red, itchy eyes and sore throats have also been reported.
• Scientists emphasize that Covid will keep mutating, but updated vaccines expected this fall aim to enhance protection; meanwhile, Covid-related deaths, positive tests, and emergency visits have declined since last year.