As of early May 2025, the main COVID-19 variants circulating globally are subvariants of Omicron, with LP.8.1 and XEC being the dominant strains. LP.8.1 accounts for about 64% of cases nationwide, followed by XEC at around 15%, and MC.10.1 at 4%. LP.8.1 is a descendant of Omicron, first identified in July 2024, and has mutations that may increase transmissibility, but it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants. It is classified by the WHO as a variant under monitoring, indicating a low additional public health threat
. This variant is rising in prevalence in places like Australia, the UK, and the US, where it now makes up a significant proportion of cases
. XEC, another Omicron subvariant, became dominant in the US in late 2024 and continues to circulate widely. It causes symptoms similar to other COVID variants, such as congestion, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. There is no evidence that XEC causes more severe disease than previous strains
. Overall, these variants are causing less severe illness compared to earlier waves, partly due to immunity from vaccinations and prior infections. The CDC recommends vaccination, including updated booster shots, as the best protection against severe disease from current variants
. Currently, COVID-19 activity is declining nationally to low levels in the US, with hospitalizations and severe cases lower than previous seasons, although the virus continues to circulate
Summary:
- Dominant COVID variants now: LP.8.1 (~64%), XEC (~15%), MC.10.1 (~4%)
- LP.8.1: New Omicron descendant, more transmissible but not more severe
- XEC: Previously dominant in late 2024, similar symptoms and severity to other Omicron variants
- Symptoms: Respiratory illness with congestion, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of taste/smell, sore throat
- COVID activity currently low but still present; vaccination remains key prevention
This reflects the current COVID variant landscape and public health guidance as of spring 2025.
