Covid, increase in cases in 2026? Symptoms, new variants and the importance of the vaccine: what we know

Nearly six years into the global pandemic, although it is no longer considered a public health emergency, the Covid-19 can still cause serious illness to the most vulnerable people. The virus is currently on the rise in the United States, something typical of the winter months: This surge in cases has led some experts to share their opinions on how Covid will change in 2026, what symptoms to watch out for and how to protect yourself to prevent contagion.

The Omicron variant

There are many different variants of Covid (some reports they register more than 20), but experts believe that the variants Omicron they will be the most widespread next year. In this regard the Dott. William Schaffnerprofessor of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University, specified: “all the variants of Covid currently in circulation are part of the Omicron family, which has been with us for several years now.”

The dominant force of XFG

«The most recent variant, descending from the Omicron family, it’s called XFG, or Stratus» explained the Dr. Thomas Russochief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Buffalo University. «It seems to be more elusive against the immune system over its processors, which allowed it to become dominant because immunity from a previous infection or vaccination was imperfect,” he said. Therefore, at the moment, the XFG is “driving the cases,” Russo said, but added that “a new variant will emerge», even if the times are uncertain.

I symptoms

In the vast majority of cases Covid presents mild symptomsbut there is a small percentage of individuals in whom much more serious complications can occur, capable of leading to hospitalization and even at death. According to the US Center for Disease Control, the XFG variant can cause a wide range of symptoms, “ranging from sore throat and mild cold symptoms to severe illness and death depending on the host,” Russo said. Children under the age of 4, pregnant women, those over 65, immunosuppressed people and those suffering from previous pathologies will have «greater chances to have a negative prognosis,” he added.

Increase in cases in 2026?

Dr. Schaffner stated that in the USA there has been a «increase in hospitalized cases» of Covid, which indicates the start of the expected winter surge. Currently, the virus is «constantly changing within the Omicron family, but fortunately, for several years no radically new viral variant has emerged on the international scene». However, Dr. Russo said that perhaps this winter, “a new variant will arise that will be more contagious than XFGor who will be better able to evade pre-existing immunity.”

The importance of the vaccine

In addition to the mutation of the virus, vaccination has a major impact on Covid hospitalization rates. Schaffner stated that in the United States, despite the current increase in virus-related hospital admissions «practically no one is up to date with vaccination». The professor urges Americans to be aware and respect the seriousness of the disease. He added that especially elderly people or those suffering from chronic pathologies, immunosuppressed or pregnant people should «avail of the vaccine». “We cannot be complacent with COVID,” Professor Russo said. «It remains an illness potentially lethalespecially in high-risk subjects,” he added. «The best way to minimize these risks is get vaccinated at least once a year, for high-risk individuals too two injections per year. While the COVID vaccine is not effective at preventing infection, it is very effective at reduce the chances of being hospitalized», he stated.