As the United States approaches the cold and flu season, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has brought renewed attention to new circulating variants and updated protective measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have highlighted the importance of vigilance and vaccination to curb the spread of the virus.

Several new COVID-19 variants are currently circulating, each presenting unique characteristics. The XEC variant, an Omicron sub-lineage, has rapidly become the second-most prevalent strain in the U.S., accounting for more than 1 in 10 cases. It possesses several spike mutations, which could make it more infectious than previous strains, and has been detected in at least 25 states. However, experts like Dr. Amy Edwards and Dr. Mark Cameron suggest that the era of a single dominant variant might be ending, with multiple contagious strains circulating simultaneously. Currently, the KP.3.1.1 variant remains the most dominant, representing nearly 60 percent of cases. Other notable variants include EG.5, also known as “Eris,” which was the most common variant over the summer, accounting for nearly 25 percent of infections and is considered a "grandchild" of Omicron. Additionally, BA.2.86, dubbed “Pirola,” is under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its global spread, though case numbers remain limited.

Despite the emergence of new variants, early reports indicate that symptoms generally remain consistent with previous COVID-19 strains. According to the CDC, individuals should watch for common symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. While most healthy individuals may experience cold-like symptoms, Dr. Thomas Russo emphasizes that those in high-risk categories could face more severe manifestations of the illness.

In response to the evolving virus, the FDA has approved new, updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax). These mRNA vaccines, representing the "2023-2024 formula," are the third iteration of the vaccine and are specifically targeted towards currently circulating variants, including the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant and the KP.2 strain. Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, underscores that these monovalent vaccines—meaning they target one specific strain for improved effectiveness—meet rigorous scientific standards for safety and efficacy. They are designed to provide better protection against serious infection and address the waning immunity within the population.

The CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Russo advises high-risk individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible, while those at lower risk should aim to receive their shot by Halloween. For individuals who have recently been vaccinated, a waiting period of at least two months is recommended. If someone was infected during a recent COVID wave, Dr. Russo suggests waiting three months from the time of infection before getting the new vaccine. Availability at pharmacies is expected to improve within approximately a week, with many major pharmacies already booking appointments.

Regarding the cost, while most health insurance companies are expected to cover the vaccine, uninsured adults may face out-of-pocket expenses due to the discontinuation of public health programs that previously covered vaccinations. However, children typically remain covered through various pediatric vaccination programs, and uninsured adults can seek free vaccines through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program at local health centers or participating pharmacies.

Beyond vaccination, experts recommend several additional protective measures. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas is advised, especially when local COVID-19 levels are high and for individuals at high risk for complications. If symptoms develop, testing is crucial to prevent further spread. For high-risk individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, contacting a primary care physician about antiviral medications like Paxlovid is recommended. Dr. Russo also notes that individuals can receive both the COVID-19 booster and the annual flu shot concurrently, though spacing them out by a week or two might reduce the potential for overlapping side effects, particularly for those who have experienced adverse reactions in the past.