A New COVID Variant Called HV.1 is Now Dominant, and Here Are Most Common Symptoms

Anew COVID-19 variant called HV.1 has become the dominant strain in the United States and now accounts for nearly one-third of cases nationwide.

The highly infectious omicron subvariant has been circulating in the U.S. since the summer. In October, HV.1 rapidly gained speed and overtook other variants, including EG.5, aka Eris, to become the most prevalent strain, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During a two-week period ending on Nov. 11, HV.1 accounted for 29% of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S., per the CDC. After HV.1, the next most common variant was EG.5, which made up about 22% of cases, followed by FL.1.5.1 or “Fornax,” and XBB.1.16 or “Arcturus.” Unlike its predecessors, HV.1 has yet to gain a catchy nickname.

All of the COVID-19 variants that have become dominant in the U.S. over the last year are descendants of omicron, which began circulating in November 2021.

The emergence of HV.1 demonstrates how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is able to mutate and give rise to new, highly contagious variants.

HV.1’s reign comes as the U.S. enters the thick of respiratory virus season and health officials roll out updated COVID-19 vaccines. While the new booster still offers protection against newer variants, very few Americans have gotten the shot so far, TODAY.com previously reported.

Right now, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations seem to be trending downward following a late summer surge, per CDC data. However, infections are expected to increase again this winter as was the case the past three winter seasons, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, tells TODAY.com.

As HV.1 continues to spread, many are curious if the new variant is more contagious or severe than previous strains, whether it’s causing different symptoms, and when they should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what we know about HV.1 so far.

The symptoms caused by infection with HV.1 are similar to those caused by recent variants, says Schaffner, which include: