As of March 2025, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve, leading to the emergence of new variants that impact transmission rates, symptomatology, and vaccine efficacy. Understanding these variants is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Below is a detailed overview of the current prominent COVID-19 variants, their characteristics, and associated symptoms.
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1. LP.8.1
Emergence and Prevalence: First identified in July 2024, LP.8.1 has become the dominant variant in the United States, accounting for approximately 47% of cases as of March 2025. Nebraska Medicine
Genetic Features: This variant is characterized by multiple spike protein mutations, including S:F186L, S:R190S, S:R346T, S:V445R, S:F456L, S:Q493E, S:K1086R, and S:V1104L. World Health Organization (WHO)
Symptoms: The symptom profile of LP.8.1 is similar to previous Omicron subvariants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract. Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever or chills
2. XEC
Emergence and Prevalence: Identified in June 2024 in Germany, XEC is a recombinant strain resulting from the combination of two Omicron sublineages, KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. By December 2024, it accounted for approximately 45% of COVID-19 infections in the United States.
Genetic Features: XEC possesses mutations such as S:T22N, S:F59S, S:F456L, S:Q493E, and S:V1104L. World Health Organization (WHO)
Symptoms: Similar to other Omicron variants, XEC primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. Reported symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever or chills
Note: Despite its rapid spread, current data indicates that XEC does not cause more severe illness compared to previous strains.
3. KP.3.1.1
Emergence and Prevalence: KP.3.1.1 emerged in March 2024 and, as of March 2025, accounts for approximately 5% of COVID-19 cases in the United States. EverydayHealth.com
Genetic Features: This variant includes spike protein mutations such as S:S31-. World Health Organization (WHO)
Symptoms: The symptomatology of KP.3.1.1 aligns with other Omicron subvariants, including:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever or chills
4. JN.1
Emergence and Prevalence: Designated as a Variant of Interest (VOI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, 2023, JN.1 and its sublineages have been monitored closely.
Genetic Features: JN.1 is characterized by the S:L455S mutation.
Symptoms: Consistent with other Omicron variants, JN.1 symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever or chills
5. KP.2 and KP.3
Emergence and Prevalence: Both KP.2 and KP.3 were designated as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) by the WHO in early 2024.
Genetic Features:
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KP.2: Features mutations including S:R346T, S:F456L, and S:V1104L.
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KP.3: Characterized by mutations such as S:F456L, S:Q493E, and S:V1104L.
Symptoms: Both variants present symptoms similar to other Omicron variants.
Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.