We’ve come a long way since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. We now have vaccines to protect us against COVID-19, tests to help us diagnose it, and medications like Paxlovid to reduce its severity. We’ve also emerged from quarantine, ditched our masks (for the most part), and kicked social distancing to the curb.
“COVID news” is no longer dominating the headlines, and the virus has settled into the background of our lives, for the most part.
You may be wondering, therefore, what’s happening with COVID-19 these days. This post will answer common questions, such as:
- What are the dominant COVID-19 variants now?
- What symptoms should we be on the lookout for?
- What vaccines and treatments are available? And who is eligible for them?
Get Wise(r) About These Topics Below…
What are the Main COVID-19 Variants in the U.S., Right Now?
The COVID-19 virus has mutated significantly since it first appeared on the scene. Remember the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants? They’ve given way to the Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021 and has remained the dominant strain worldwide.
Omicron has produced numerous subvariants, which have also mutated over time.
The dominant Omicron strain in circulation today is the highly contagious XEC subvariant, which recently surpassed the KP.3.1.1 subvariant in prevalence.1
What are the Symptoms of the XEC Subvariant?
Symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- A fever
- Congestion or a runny nose
- A cough
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- A headache
- Muscle and/or body aches
- A new loss of taste or smell
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- A sore throat
Is COVID-19 Trending Up or Down This Cold & Flu Season?
So far this season, COVID-19 activity has been mixed. While cases are either stable or declining in many areas, some regions—particularly those in the Midwest and Northeast—have seen an uptick in infections due to colder weather and the spread of emerging Omicron subvariants like XEC.2 One of the best ways to protect yourself and your child is by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The latest COVID-19 vaccines are designed to target multiple Omicron subvariants, including XEC (and KP.3.1.1), to help reduce severe illness.
Who is Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (the AAP) recommend that EVERYONE 6 months & older (including pregnant individuals) get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Approved vaccines include the 2024-2025 versions of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines.
Note: The Novavax vaccine is only authorized for kids 12 years & older.
Additional Info About the COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids:
- When children receive their first-ever COVID-19 vaccine, they typically require a primary series consisting of multiple doses. The purpose of this primary vaccine series is to build sufficient immunity against the disease.
The dosing and timing of the primary series depends on the vaccine manufacturer.
For example, for kids in the 6-month to 4-year age group:- Moderna’s primary series consists of 2 doses of the vaccine (0.25 mL each), given 4 weeks apart.
- By contrast, Pfizer-BioNTech’s primary series includes 3 doses of the vaccine (0.2 mL each). The first 2 doses are administered 3 weeks apart and the 3rd dose is given at least 8 weeks after the second.
Reality Check: Don’t worry, you don’t have to know these specifics. Your doctor (should) be all over it and will guide you on what to do.
- After receiving their primary COVID-19 vaccine series, children 6 months & older are eligible for a booster dose (at least 8 weeks later).3 The booster should be the most recent, updated vaccine formulation. Like the flu vaccine, it’s recommended that the COVID-19 booster shot be given yearly to cover the latest subvariants in circulation.
I Keep Seeing Commercials About Paxlovid. What is It?
It’s an oral antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 infections.
Can Kids Get Paxlovid?
The Short Answer: Yes, some of them can.
The Longer Answer: Paxlovid is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 infections in pediatric patients aged 12 years & older, who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) and who are at high risk of serious illness from the disease. Examples of people at high risk for serious illness include (but aren’t limited to) those with asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, obesity (BMI of 30+), immunocompromising conditions (such as cancer), and anyone 65 years & older.
Paxlovid doesn’t “cure” COVID-19, but can reduce the risk of it progressing to severe disease.
PediaTrivia: Clinical trials have shown that Paxlovid cuts the risk of hospitalization and death by 87% in unvaccinated, high-risk patients with COVID-19.4
Insider Info: Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of the onset of symptoms to effectively reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients. This is one reason to test yourself and your child early on if you suspect COVID-19.
The Bottom Line
COVID-19 cases are relatively stable these days thanks to our knowledge of the virus and the tools we have to combat it. Pediatric patients are still at risk of getting COVID-19, but they’ve (thankfully) been spared (on average) from the most severe forms of the disease.
The CDC and the AAP both recommend that adults and children over 6 months of age get the COVID-19 vaccine, with a follow-up booster shot every year.
Paxlovid is also an option for certain high-risk adults, as well as high-risk children aged 12 & older, who contract COVID-19.
