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This new COVID-19 variant is spreading over Ohio. What are symptoms? Are there vaccines?

By Sundi Rose

The onset of cold and flu season also means 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 Ohio 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 COVID 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 Ohio

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) infection rates have shown a slight increase in recent weeks, with higher positivity rates observed particularly in more populated areas such as Cleveland and Columbus.

According to data from the Cleveland Clinic and ODH surveillance, the COVID-19 test positivity rate in Northeast Ohio is currently around 8.4%, as of early September 2025. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 have risen slightly, especially among younger age groups.

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 Ohio

There is uncertainty around the availability of the updated COVID-19 booster vaccines in Ohio due to conflicting recommendations from the federal government, and 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 Ohio

  • 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 Ohio location

While the current COVID variants circulating in Ohio continue to present public health challenges, vaccinations remain the best defense against severe illness and hospitalizations. You can stay updated by checking the Ohio Department of Public Health for recommended precautions, especially as the state awaits federal vaccine guidance.

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This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 6:00 AM.