A new COVID-19 variant is making headlines as it spreads across the country. The heavily mutated BA.3.2 variant, also known as “Cicada,” has now been detected in at least 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health experts say this version of the virus carries significant mutations, which may allow it to spread more easily. There are also concerns that previous vaccines may not be as effective against this variant, although research is still ongoing.
The symptoms of the Cicada variant are similar to earlier strains of COVID-19. People may experience a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headache, cough, fatigue, fever, and in some cases, a loss of taste or smell.
This news is bringing back memories of early 2020, when the world came to a standstill and people were quarantined, masked up, and extremely cautious.
Now, many are questioning whether the public still takes COVID seriously. While some people remain cautious, others have returned to normal routines and may not be paying as much attention to new variants.
Health officials continue to encourage awareness, especially as new strains emerge.
The situation is still developing, but one thing is clear. COVID-19 is not completely gone, and staying informed is still important.