COVID-19 variants like Nimbus and NB.1.8.1 are spreading again, sparking new waves. The pandemic’s still shaping health, economy, and politics worldwide.
As of early October 2025, the Stratus COVID-19 variant (XFG and XFG.3) has become dominant in the US, causing persistent respiratory symptoms but no increased severity. Meanwhile, Japan faces an unusually early and rapid influenza epidemic, with hospitals filling and schools closing. Experts urge vaccination and hygiene to mitigate these overlapping respiratory threats.