Summary
The article discusses the state of COVID-19 in 2026, highlighting that the virus, although no longer a public health emergency, still poses risks, especially to vulnerable groups in the United States. Experts expect the Omicron variant family to continue circulating, with symptoms likely remaining similar. There might be fluctuations in cases based on new variants and vaccination rates.
Key Facts
- COVID-19 is not a public health emergency anymore, but it still affects vulnerable people in the U.S.
- Experts predict Omicron variants will still be common in 2026.
- The CDC estimated millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths due to COVID-19 in recent years.
- The most recent variant, called XFG or Stratus, is dominant due to being more immune evasive.
- Symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of taste are expected to persist in 2026.
- Vulnerable groups include children under 4, seniors over 65, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Hospitalization rates may rise during the winter due to both the virus and low vaccination rates.
- COVID vaccines are underused but help protect against severe illness.
