Covid-19 is here to stay and is part of the respiratory viruses that arrive every year-end season, with new variants and with symptoms that have persisted since the pandemic.
Just weeks before the arrival of autumn, the virus is already showing signs of an increase in most states, including North Carolina, according to the latest epidemiological model from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of July 31, the CDC estimate that infections from this virus are increasing in 41 states, while in no state is it currently classified as declining or likely to decline, and 7 states are experiencing stable transmission levels.
Southern states currently classified as "on the rise" include: North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Texas.
Currently, several variants are circulating from the Omicron like Nimbus, Stratus and also Cicada which began to spread in the fall of 2025. These subvariants are highly transmissible and have one symptom in common: a severe sore throat.
The “Nimbus” variant and its symptoms
The NB.1.1.8.1 variant, called “Nimbus”, a subvariant of Omicron, is one of the most circulating today and is known for its high transmissibility and a characteristic symptom that patients call “razor blade throat”: an intensely sharp, stabbing pain when swallowing.
Symptoms: Along with a severe sore throat, it often manifests with persistent fatigue, headache, some cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, fever and body aches, sneezing, and sometimes gastrointestinal problems such as nausea or diarrhea.
Loss of taste or smell is still possible, but is reported less frequently than in previous waves of COVID.
Severity: Although it adheres to human cells more efficiently than previous strains, health agencies do not consider it more serious or deadly.
How to protect yourself: Current COVID-19 vaccines and boosters continue to offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
Stratus variant
Another variant of COVID-19 that has also been circulating since last year, called Stratus (XFG), is not as good at entering cells, but it evades immune defenses better. It has mutations that help it escape antibodies, which are the proteins the body produces to fight infections.
That means it could spread easily if not detected, but it is not as naturally infectious as “Nimbus” and is unlikely to cause severe symptoms.
Who is at greater risk of getting Covid?
Like previous strains of Covid-19, the current variants pose a greater risk for:
- Older adults
- People with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disorders
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Anyone who is not vaccinated
Healthy children and adults can become infected, but are less likely to experience severe symptoms from the infection.
Although most people recover from COVID at home, those with pre-existing conditions should take extra precautions. COVID can still cause complications or long-term symptoms known as long COVID.
How to protect yourself from Covid in the fall and winter
With more indoor gatherings as the weather gets colder, Covid spikes are expected.
Fortunately, the same basic precautions still apply as in previous years and remain effective against different variants of this virus.
However, it is important to recognize that contracting one variant will not protect against a different one.
Basic prevention strategies
The CDC recommends that everyone use basic prevention strategies to protect themselves and others against COVID-19:
- Keep up to date with vaccines against Covid-19.
- While vaccinated people sometimes become infected with the virus that causes Covid-19, being up to date with vaccines greatly reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized, or dying from it.
- Practice good habits of hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness).
- Make Measures to have clean air.
If you are sick:
- Tom Precautions to prevent the spreadsuch as staying home and away from other people (including those who live with you and are not sick) if you have respiratory symptoms.
- Know when you can resume their normal activities.
- Seek medical attention promptly to have a experiment u get treatment It is held risk factors for becoming seriously illTreatment can help reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill, but it must be started within a few days of symptoms appearing.
Other prevention strategies
In addition, there are other prevention strategies you can choose to increase your own protection and that of others.
- Wear a mask y maintain distance between yourself and others can help reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
- Get a C testOvid can help you decide what to do next, such as getting treatment to reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill and take actions to reduce the chances of spreading it to others.
Are vaccines against the new variants useful?
Although both Nimbus and Stratus slightly impair the body's antibodies, the vaccines still offer good protection. They are especially useful in combating serious illnesses, hospital stays, and deaths.
It is recommended to "boost" your immune system every year to help keep it prepared for these new variants.
How are new variants handled?
For most people, the symptoms of Covid variants and subvariants can be managed with rest, fluids, over-the-counter pain relievers (such as Tylenol or Advil), and isolation to prevent others from getting sick.
If a person has Covid, especially if they have underlying health conditions, they are advised to talk to a healthcare professional about using antiviral options such as Paxlovid.
Other circulating respiratory viruses
On the other hand, the amount of acute respiratory diseases The reasons why people are seeking medical attention right now are at different levels.
Seasonal flu activity is low, but parainfluenza (PIV) and respiratory adenovirus are elevated nationally.
Other viral diseases Viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis, which usually attack children, continue to circulate, but at low levels.
Where to get the vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone starting at 6 months of age. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the current vaccine is up to date for the 2025-2026 season.
Like the flu (influenza) vaccine, no prescription is needed and both vaccines can be administered at the same time.
Find a place in the NCDHHS search engine by entering the postal code.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
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