How to stay COVID-free this season

The latest COVID-19 variant, Stratus, continues to make its way through Orange County and the rest of Southern California. While infection rates have remained low, its hard to know whether to expect a more serious second wave during the winter months, coinciding with flu season.

It's a good idea to protect yourself now by getting vaccinated for the new COVID-19 variant as well as influenza and other respiratory viruses, says Dr. Shruti Gohil, UCI Health associate medical director for epidemiology and infection.

The variant's lineage tracks back to Omicron, which first emerged in South Africa in 2023. Considered a hybrid viral strain, Stratus is a genetic mix of two COVID-19 strains that is more capable of causing a COVID-19 infection.

Stratus was first identified in Southeast Asia in January 2025, and made its way to the United States in March, with cases spiking during the summer months. Viral loads of the variant have continued to spread in municipal wastewater systems in California and elsewhere in recent weeks, but hospitalization rates and deaths have so far remained low.

However, Gohil noted, "Serious indicators of wider spread of the Stratus variant, such as hospitalizations and deaths, are usually seen weeks after infection rates rise."

Recognizing the signs

Symptoms of the Stratus variant are very similar to those of previous COVID-19 strains. They include:

• Sore throat that might be painful or cause hoarseness
• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Congestion or a runny nose
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste and/or smell
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

If you are experiencing and of these symptoms and you think it may be COVID-19, test kits are available at local and online pharmacies as well as retail stores, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The tests target COVID-19 proteins, which have largely remained the same, despite the various mutations that have come with each new variant, including Stratus,” Gohil says.

If a COVID-19 test comes back positive, she advises staying home and avoiding others until symptoms have improved and no sign of fever for more than 24 hours. It is also important to wear a mask, wash your hands often and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

If symptoms persist, she recommends seeing your doctor, who can prescribe medications such as Paxlovid, which can shorten the infection's duration and minimize the risk of serious complications such as long COVID. 

Tips to staying COVID-19 free

Just like getting your flu shot for influenza, the most effective protection against the Stratus variant is the latest COVID-19 vaccine.

“The best way to prevent a COVID-19 Stratus variant infection is the same as for prior strains and other respiratory viruses," Gohil says. "Medical professionals throughout California recommend that everyone age 6 months and older should have access to and the choice to receive COVID-19 vaccines. They are safe, effective and reduce the risk of severe illness.”.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends checking with your doctor’s office, local pharmacy or community health center to learn more about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine.

Other ways to prevent a COVID-19 infection, especially when the virus is circulating, include:

• Keeping a distance from people who may be sick 
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Cleaning surfaces that are regularly touched, such as counters, door handles, TV remotes and phones.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils with anyone

Wearing a mask in crowded spaces also protects against the spread of the Stratus virus as well as other respiratory infections, including the flu and colds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Looking ahead

One of the key ways public health officials have documented the spread of the COVID-19 virus is its presence in wastewater.

The California Department of Public Health Surveillance of Wastewaters (Cal-SuWers) Network, which tracks theses levels weekly, reports that while the rate of viral load in wastewater throughout the state is on the rise, it remains lower than for the same period in 2024.

Gohil says she and her UCI Health infectious disease colleagues will continue to carefully monitor the spread, severity and impact of this new strain on a weekly basis.