COVID-19: New Variants in 2025

• New variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur through mutations.
• The new COVID-19 variants can bind more quickly to cells, making them more transmissible.
• Symptoms of the new variants are similar to previous Omicron variants.
• Currently, there are over 26 variants of the original COVID-19 strain.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted the world since its outbreak in 2019. Although vaccines have been developed and distributed globally, the virus continues to mutate, posing a challenge to public health officials worldwide. In 2024, the world is still grappling with the pandemic. That’s because viruses and pathogens constantly adapt and change. This article explains the dominant variants of COVID-19 in 2025, their symptoms, and who is at risk. 

In early 2025, a new COVID-19 variant called XEC has become the dominant global strain. Created by combining two Omicron subvariants (KS.1.1 and KP.3.3), XEC was first detected in Germany in June 2024 and has since spread rapidly. By December 2024, the variant was responsible for about 45% of COVID-19 infections in the United States and was also increasing in prevalence across Europe and Australia. This development underscores the continuing evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the importance of ongoing viral surveillance. 1 2 3

Since its emergence, the Omicron variant has constantly changed its genetic and antigenic properties. Omicron and its variants have evaded the immune response generated by previous infections or vaccinations, meaning that people can still become infected despite having some immunity. Additionally, Omicron variants tend to infect the upper respiratory tract (for example, the nose and throat) more than previous variants like Delta, which infect the lower respiratory tract (for example, the lungs).

Find out more about Omicron vs. Delta variant symptoms in this article.

As of February 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is actively tracking several variants:

Dominant Variant:

• XEC – The most prevalent variant globally, making up nearly half of all COVID-19 cases in some countries. 3

Variants of Interest (VOI):

• JN.1 – A rapidly spreading Omicron subvariant that has been closely monitored due to its ability to partially evade immunity. 4

Variants Under Monitoring (VUM):

• KP.2, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, JN.1.18, LB.1, XEC, LP.8.1 – These variants are being tracked due to their mutations, which could impact transmission and immune evasion. 4

Comparison to Previous Variants

In January 2024, the dominant variants were EG.5 (Eris), which caused 24.5% of cases, followed by FL.1.5.1 (Fornax) at 13.7%. XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) was also circulating but had significantly decreased in prevalence. However, these variants have now been largely replaced by XEC and JN.1 in 2025.

Public health organizations continue monitoring emerging COVID-19 variants worldwide, assessing their potential impact on transmissibility, severity, and vaccine effectiveness.5

The dominant COVID-19 variants are XEC and JN.1. The symptoms associated with these variants are similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants and include. The most common symptoms still include a mild runny nose, headache, cough, and sore throat.  1

Observational data suggests that people infected with XBB.1.16 may be more likely to experience conjunctivitis, or pink eye, as a symptom of their COVID-19 infection.6 These symptoms could precede a positive COVID-19 test, and symptoms could be mild or moderate for the duration of the illness.

There are many different strains of the coronavirus present in 2025. That’s because as a virus spreads, it can change and adapt to survive. As genetic changes happen over time, the virus that causes COVID-19 begins to form genetic lineages. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be mapped out similarly to a family tree.

Five years into the pandemic, there are now over 30 known variants of the original COVID-19 strain. To help track and study them, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes them into three groups:2

• Variants of Concern (VOC) – Variants that spread easily and may affect immunity.
• Variants of Interest (VOI) – Variants that are closely monitored for potential risks.
• Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) – Variants that scientists are keeping an eye on but are not yet considered a major threat.

In early 2025, the most common variant worldwide is XEC, followed by JN.1 and other evolving Omicron subvariants.

The chart below outlines the major strains circulating as of January 11, 2024.5

The latest COVID-19 variants are Eris, Fornax, and Arcturus. Both Eris and Fornax share a mutation, which helps them spread faster than other variants. However, there's currently no evidence that these variants would cause more severe symptoms than other variants we've seen in the past. Arcturus also has an increased risk of transmissibility and the possibility of escaping our immune response.6 

Another highly mutated strain on the rise is BA.2.86, nicknamed Pirola. At this point, there are not a lot of cases caused by this variant yet, but due to the high number of mutations on key parts of this virus, scientists and the WHO are keeping a close eye on this mutation. The CDC assessed this variant and concluded that the current existing tests used to detect the coronavirus and medications used to treat COVID-19 seem to be effective with this variant. 

It's thought that Pirola may cause infection in people who are vaccinated or have previously had a COVID infection due to its high number of mutations. Data on the severity and transmission of this variant are still being investigated.6 7

Multiple tests can detect the COVID-19 virus, but not all can differentiate between the variants. To accurately determine the variant of COVID-19, you must undergo a laboratory test that identifies the virus's genetic sequence. This is usually a PCR or sequencing test and requires a sample of respiratory material from a nasal or throat swab. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where technicians conduct the necessary tests to identify the virus’s genetic sequence and determine the specific variant of COVID-19 present. These variant differentiation tests are not routinely done. Instead, they only provide valuable information for public health officials to monitor the spread of different variants.

Additionally, false negative results are possible with any molecular test used to detect SARS-CoV-2, especially if a mutation occurs in the part of the virus' genome that the test examines. Mutations in the viral genome can also affect viral proteins, and consequently, the performance of antigen or serology tests may also be impacted.8

In 2025, the high-risk groups for COVID-19 remain the same as in previous years. These include the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those with compromised immune systems. However, younger individuals may also be at risk, particularly if they’re unvaccinated or have underlying health conditions.

The best way to protect against new variants is to be vaccinated and boosted. Those who are at high risk and those who have not had a booster shot or a COVID-19 infection in the last 4 to 6 months should make a plan to get a shot.

As COVID-19 continues to mutate, the symptoms may change in the future. For example, when Omicron emerged, patients reported eye symptoms such as conjunctivitis and red and burning eyes, which were not often seen in prior strains of the virus.

It’s possible that new variants may cause more severe symptoms or affect different parts of the body. However, it’s difficult to predict exactly how symptoms may change as the virus mutates in 2025 and beyond.

COVID-19 continues to be a global health concern in 2025, with XEC as the dominant variant. The symptoms of XEC and other circulating variants, like JN.1, remain similar to past Omicron strains, mostly affecting the upper respiratory tract. High-risk groups for COVID-19 remain the same as last year, and it's essential to continue taking preventative measures, such as vaccinations and mask-wearing when in large crowds.

Q: Will the current vaccine protect me against the 2024 COVID-19 variants?
A: The bivalent booster can train your immune system to identify both the initial 2020 virus strain and the new BA.5 Omicron variant. While the effectiveness of the antibodies from the bivalent shot against the XBB.1.5 variant is yet to be determined, the T cell immunity provided by the booster should still offer protection against severe illness in case of infection.

Q: What is the new COVID-19 variant?
A: As of 2025, the latest dominant COVID-19 variant is XEC, a recombinant strain of the Omicron sublineages KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Another closely monitored variant is JN.1, which continues to spread globally.

Q: How can you tell which strain of COVID-19 you have?
A: The only way to accurately determine which strain of COVID-19 you have is through a laboratory test that explicitly identifies the virus’s genetic sequence. This is typically done through a diagnostic test known as a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or a sequencing test. These tests are usually conducted on a sample of respiratory material, such as a nasal or throat swab. Once the sample is collected, it’s sent to a laboratory where technicians will conduct the appropriate tests to determine the genetic sequence of the virus and identify the specific strain of COVID-19 present.

Q: Why are there so many variants of COVID-19?
A: As viruses replicate and spread among a population, they undergo mutations or changes. RNA-based viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 and influenza, mutate more frequently than DNA-based viruses. Whenever the SARS-CoV-2 virus replicates, there’s a chance for it to change. However, not all mutations affect the virus's ability to spread or cause disease because they do not alter the crucial proteins involved in transmission and infection.

Q: When is the new COVID-19 variant most contagious?
A: Individuals are believed to be most contagious at the beginning of their illness. For Omicron, most transmission seems to occur in the 1-2 days leading up to the onset of symptoms and within the 2-3 days after. Additionally, people without any symptoms can also spread the coronavirus to others.

Q: Where is the new COVID-19 variant spreading?
A: The XBB.1.16 subvariant of COVID-19, also known as Arcturus, has been found in at least 37 countries since April 27, 2024 causing a surge in COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia. It's also gaining prevalence in the US, Australia, Singapore, Libya, Iran, Kuwait, and Qatar.