Signs and Symptoms of COVID Variants
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Medically reviewed by Kate Colby, MPH
The coronavirus pandemic started due to the spread of the Sars CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. Like all viruses, since the first outbreak in 2019, COVID-19 has evolved. New, mutated versions—known as variants—have developed and become predominant, and older ones have faded away. If you contract the virus, your symptoms will often depend on the variant you’ve caught. Other factors also play a role in your symptoms, such as vaccination status, age, and overall health.
There is a wide range of symptoms of COVID-19. Depending on the variant, symptoms develop 2-14 days after exposure and can last from several days to weeks. Understanding the current variants and their differing symptoms can be a critical way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and its complications.
COVID Variant JN. 1
Currently, COVID JN. 1 is the most prevalent variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of March 2024, this variant accounted for over 95% of cases in the United States—a dramatic rise from November 2023, when this was just 7.8%. JN. 1 is a descendant of BA. 2.86—a subvariant of “Omicron” (COVID B.1.1.529). Omicron spread widely after first being detected in the U.S. in December 2021.
Compared to previous variants, research suggests that while JN. 1 may be less likely to lead to severe illness and hospitalization, it may be more contagious. Like other variants of Omicron, this type has a faster incubation period (the time after infection and before symptoms). This variant takes an average of 3.4 days for symptoms to appear compared to five days for all other types.
The most common symptoms of this variant include:
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion or feeling stuffy
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Two subvariants of this type (JN. 1. 13 and JN. 1. 18) have recently been on the rise. Both subvariants cause similar symptoms and currently represent approximately 10.8% and 1.6% of U.S. cases respectively.
COVID Variant HV. 1
HV. 1 is another variant of the Omicron strain. This variant was the most dominant type in the U.S. until December 2023. According to the latest updates from the CDC, it currently represents about 0.4% of all cases in the U.S., a dramatic drop from 2023, when this variant accounted for 30% of cases.
Like JN. 1, this variant is known to be highly contagious and less severe in terms of hospitalizations and deaths. According to a study published in 2024, common signs of this variant include:
Sore throat
Congestion
Runny nose
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Chills
Loss of taste or smell
COVID Variant BA. 2.86
COVID BA. 2.86 (or “Pirola”) is a subvariant of BA. 2, which was the main Omicron variant. This variant only accounts for about 0.1% of all COVID-19 cases, as of March 2024.
The World Health Organization (WHO) called BA. 2.86 a “variant of concern." There's evidence that this variant is more transmissible and contagious than other variants, even if you’ve been vaccinated or had a previous infection. However, vaccination is critical for preventing moderate or severe cases of this variant.
Common symptoms of the BA. 2.86 variant include:
Cough
Runny nose
Sneezing
Headache
Body aches
Fever
Loss of taste or smell
COVID Variant JG. 3
COVID JG. 3 is a descendant of EG. 5 (“Eris")—another strain of the Omicron variant. Currently, this variant only represents about 0.2% of COVID cases in the U.S. This Omicron subvariant isn’t associated with a higher risk of severe cases or hospitalization. While it may also be more transmissible, the current vaccines remain effective for COVID JG. 3.
Symptoms of this variant include:
Runny nose
Congestion
Fever
Chills
Body aches
Loss of taste or smell
COVID Variant BA. 2
In March 2024, only about 0.2% of cases in the U.S. were due to COVID BA. 2, an earlier variant of Omicron. However, in March 2022, WHO reported this variant was dominant worldwide. Researchers found BA. 2 to have 50 genetic differences from the original Omicron strain.
Due to its structural differences, BA. 2 is significantly more transmissible than earlier strains. BA. 2, like other Omicron variants, was linked with a lower rate of hospitalization and severe outcomes when compared to COVID variants (such as Delta). It also has a faster incubation period—about 3.5 days.
COVID BA. 2 causes the following symptoms:
Congestion
Cough
Headache
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of smell or taste
COVID Variant JD. 1. 1
This Omicron subvariant first emerged in April 2023 and became one of the more dominant strains globally. But this variant has been on a decline. While COVID JD. 1. 1 represented 5.1% of COVID cases in November 2023, its prevalence is currently at about 0.1% in the U.S.
Like many other Omicron subvariants, the symptoms of JD. 1. 1 include:
Cough
Runny nose
Congestion
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of smell or taste
COVID Variant HK. 3
COVID HK. 3 has spread worldwide. In November 2023, about 5% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 had this type. Since then, the prevalence of this variant has dropped to 0.1% of all cases.
Researchers haven’t found HK. 3 to lead to more severe disease compared to other variants. That said, this variant may be more contagious and have a higher risk of reinfection (getting COVID again). Fortunately, the current vaccines remain effective in preventing moderate or severe cases of this variant.
If you develop COVID HK. 3, you may notice the following symptoms:
Sore throat
Fatigue
Cough
Headache
Body aches
Nausea
Loss of sense of taste or smell
How To Protect Yourself Against COVID Variants
COVID-19 is an airborne virus, meaning that the virus spreads if you inhale germs from other infected people. The virus also spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. However, you can use some preventative strategies to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing symptoms. These methods include:
Getting vaccinated
Avoiding crowded areas
Washing your hands often, especially before touching your face, before eating and after using the bathroom
Wearing a mask when you're in a crowded setting
Improving airflow via keeping windows open, using an air purifier, or turning on your fan or air conditioning
Keeping your distance from a loved one who tested positive for COVID-19
It's worth noting that if you're a caretaker of an older parent, young child, or other loved one, avoiding contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 isn't always possible. However, wearing a mask when you're taking care of them and washing your hands frequently can help minimize your risk.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Seeking timely medical care can be critical for more severe cases of COVID. Your risk of complications from COVID is higher if you’re over 50, have a chronic condition (like diabetes, asthma, heart or lung diseases), or are immunocompromised. If you test positive for COVID-19, it's important to let your provider know via phone call or online portal.
Consider calling your provider for extra medical support or advice on treatment options if you develop more moderate symptoms of COVID-19, such as:
Severe symptoms of COVID prompt calling 911 and getting emergency care. These include:
Breathing difficulties, such as gasping for air
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Trouble concentrating
Difficulty with waking up or staying awake
Pale, gray, or blue tint in your skin, nail beds, or lips
Questions To Ask Your Provider
During your appointment or phone call with your provider, asking the right questions may help you learn more about your condition and how to feel better quickly. Consider the following:
Can I take a test to learn which COVID variant I have?
How long can I expect my symptoms to last?
Should I be staying home from school or work while I have COVID?
When can I return to my normal activities?
What is the current quarantine period for COVID?
A Quick Review
Like all viruses, COVID-19 has evolved and changed since it started in 2019. New variants (mutated versions) of the virus continue to emerge. COVID JN. 1 is currently the predominant U.S. variant, accounting for over 95% of infections. However, other COVID-19 variants have similar symptoms—such as cough, runny nose, congestion, fever, and body aches.
Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and isolation from people with COVID-19 are good ways to protect yourself from the virus.
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