This new COVID-19 variant is spreading across GA. What are symptoms? Are there vaccines available?

The onset of cold and flu season includes the beginning of COVID season, and that means the introduction of new variations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, new variants of SARS-Co-2 continue to emerge and the onset of the Stratus variant, an offshoot of the Omicron variant, is making a lot of people in Georgia sick.

The most recent variant of COVID

The CDC warns this most recent variant, Stratus (XFG) is an Omicron subvariant and is more contagious and more resistant to vaccination than other strains.

It was first detected in January 2025 in Southeast Asia and has since spread globally to 38 countries by June. By then, Stratus accounted for approximately 14% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, making it one of the top three circulating strains.

Symptoms of the new variant

Symptoms are generally similar to prior Omicron variants, however, some patients report symptoms that are commonly mistaken for allergies.

Current data suggests that the Stratus strain won’t cause a more serious illness than other variants, but the CDC cautions that symptoms can vary based on immunization status.

Patients may experience:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

COVID rates for Georgia

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that COVID infection rates have risen slightly in recent weeks, particularly in higher population cities like Atlanta and Columbus.

While hospitalizations remain relatively stable, Stratus has some ability to evade immunity, so vaccinations and boosters are particularly important.

If you experience COVID symptoms or test positive:

• Isolate from others immediately to limit spread.
• Contact a healthcare provider, especially if you belong to a high-risk group.
• Monitor symptoms and seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or difficulty waking.
• Follow local health department guidance on isolation duration and precautions.
• Utilize at-home COVID tests or visit testing sites if symptoms develop.

COVID vaccines in Georgia

There is uncertainty around the availability of the updated COVID-19 booster vaccines in Georgia due to conflicting recommendations from the federal government and because the updated vaccines are not yet available.

At this time, the DPH “does not know what the cost of the updated COVID vaccine will be for individuals without insurance” but it was as much as $180 in previous years.

Eligibility in Georgia

• Ages 5-64: Must have an underlying health condition (such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, depression, or pregnancy) to qualify. 
• Healthy children under 18 may only get vaccinated after consulting a medical provider. 
• Children under 5: No longer eligible for Pfizer’s shot due to revoked emergency authorization. 
• Pregnant women: Not universally recommended by the CDC panel, despite objections from medical groups.

Find a Georgia location

• Find a site at a local health department using the DPH appointment scheduling website.
• Visit a pharmacy. You can find one locally at vaccines.gov.
• Contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
• Residents homebound due to an ongoing physical or mental disability and are unable to travel can request to receive their vaccination at home. Email HSV@dph.ga.gov or call 888-572-0112.

While the current COVID variants circulating in Georgia continue to present public health challenges, vaccinations remain the best defense against severe illness and hospitalizations.

You can stay updated by checking the Georgia Department of Public Health for recommended precautions, especially as the state awaits federal vaccine guidance.

This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "This new COVID-19 variant is spreading across GA. What are symptoms? Are there vaccines available?."