So, you’re hearing about a new COVID strain again. It feels like every time we finally stop checking the news, a new string of letters and numbers starts popping up on social media. Honestly, it’s exhausting. But if you’ve been feeling a bit under the weather or keep seeing the word "Stratus" or "Nimbus" floating around your feed, you're not imagining things.
As of early 2026, we aren't dealing with a brand-new Greek letter like Delta or Omicron. Instead, we’re seeing a highly evolved family of Omicron descendants. The big names right now are XFG (nicknamed Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (often called Nimbus). These aren't just "more of the same." They have some specific quirks that explain why so many people are currently waking up with a scratchy throat.
What is the new COVID strain right now?
Basically, the "new" strain is actually a collection of variants that have gotten really good at one thing: getting around your immune system. XFG, or Stratus, is currently the dominant player in many regions, including the United States. According to recent CDC and WHO surveillance data, XFG and its sub-lineages (like XFG.3) make up a massive chunk of cases—sometimes as much as 70% to 80% in certain areas.
Then there’s the NB.1.8.1 variant, aka Nimbus.
This one has been making headlines because of how "sticky" it is. Laboratory data from institutions like Stony Brook Medicine suggest that Nimbus is exceptionally efficient at binding to the ACE2 receptors in our cells. In some tests, it’s shown to infect cells up to 2.5 times more effectively than previous versions of Omicron.
It’s a bit of a survivor.
These strains are "recombinants." That's just a fancy way of saying two different variants infected the same person, swapped genetic code, and created a "hybrid" baby. Specifically, XFG is a mashup of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 lineages.
Why do they have nicknames?
You might wonder why we’re calling them "Stratus" and "Nimbus" instead of just XFG. The scientific community uses the Pango nomenclature (the XFG stuff), but that’s a nightmare for regular people to remember. Independent researchers and some media outlets started using cloud names to make the variants easier to track in conversation. It’s not official WHO branding, but it’s what people are searching for.
Symptoms: Is it different this time?
The short answer? Kinda.
While the core symptoms still look a lot like a bad cold or the flu, doctors are reporting a few specific trends with the 2026 variants. If you catch the XFG or NB.1.8.1 strain, you’re likely to experience:
- The "Stabbing" Sore Throat: This is the big one. Many patients describe a sharp, intense pain when swallowing that feels more severe than a typical cold.
- Heavy Congestion: Unlike some earlier versions that stayed deep in the lungs, these variants love the upper respiratory tract. Expect a very stuffy or runny nose.
- Persistent Fatigue: That "hit by a truck" feeling is still very much a thing.
- Mild Fever and Chills: It might not be a 103°F spike, but a low-grade fever is common.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Interestingly, we're seeing more reports of nausea or mild diarrhea with the XFG lineage than we did a year ago.
The good news is that for most healthy, vaccinated people, this isn't landing them in the hospital. The "severity" hasn't actually increased; it's just the "annoyance factor" and the sheer speed of spread that’s gone up.
Does the 2025-2026 vaccine still work?
You've probably seen the updated shots that rolled out late last year. The current vaccine was designed to target the LP.8.1 lineage.
Since XFG (Stratus) is literally a descendant that includes parts of LP.8.1, the vaccine is actually a pretty good match. It’s not a 100% "force field" against getting a sniffle, but it’s doing a solid job of keeping people out of the ICU.
If you haven't had a shot in over a year, your "neutralizing antibodies"—the front-line soldiers in your blood—are likely low. This is why we’re seeing so many "breakthrough" infections. The virus has changed just enough to sneak past the front door, even if your immune system eventually kicks it out a few days later.
Testing and what to do next
Testing has become a bit tricky. Because these new strains are so good at evading early detection, some people are testing negative on a rapid home test even when they have symptoms.
Pro tip: If you feel sick but the test is negative, wait 24 to 48 hours and test again. Swabbing the back of your throat before you swab your nose has also become a common (though unofficial) recommendation among some experts to catch the virus where it hits hardest first.
How to handle a positive result in 2026:
- Isolate for the first few days. The peak of contagiousness is usually the first 3-5 days.
- Hydrate like it's your job. That sore throat is easier to manage if your membranes aren't bone-dry.
- Check for Paxlovid eligibility. If you're over 65 or have health conditions like diabetes or asthma, call your doctor immediately. Antivirals are still very effective against XFG and Nimbus if taken early.
- Watch for "Red Flags." If you can't catch your breath, feel confused, or have persistent chest pain, that’s an ER visit, regardless of what the variant is called.
We are in a phase where COVID is essentially a permanent part of the "respiratory soup" we deal with every winter, alongside the flu and RSV. While there isn't a "scary" new variant causing a global shutdown, the current XFG and NB.1.8.1 strains are definitely making the rounds.
Stay home if you're hacking, grab a high-quality mask if you're heading into a crowded airport, and maybe keep a few extra rapid tests in the medicine cabinet.
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Next Steps for You:
Check your local health department's "waste water" tracking site. It's the most accurate way to see if XFG levels are spiking in your specific city before you plan any big indoor gatherings. If the levels are high, it might be the week to opt for the N95 mask at the grocery store.