New COVID variant is spreading rapidly. Symptoms? Do test still work? Info in SC

A new COVID-19 variant — XFG, also known as Stratus — is spreading rapidly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The South Carolina Department of Health does not track COVID infection by variant, said Casey White, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

What is known is emergency room visits due to COVID spiked at the end of August and have been going down since. Also COVID has been found in wastewater in South Carolina.

“In South Carolina, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently very high,” the health department said. In a map showing testing sites, the most activity is along the coast and northeastern sections of the state.

One treatment facility in Richland County is showing a very high prevalence while another does not. White said they do not release specific locations of testing sites.

The CDC says it estimates all COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in nine states, declining or likely declining in 24 states, and not changing in 12 states, which includes South Carolina.

The nonprofit COVID Act Now says, “South Carolina has higher vulnerability than most states, with 32% of the population in a high vulnerability area. Communities with higher vulnerability have pre-existing economic, social, and physical conditions that may make it hard to respond to and recover from a COVID outbreak.”

Symptoms of XFG resemble those of other COVID variants, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

The Food and Drug Administration says if you have symptoms an at home test will suffice for any COVID variant. If the test comes back negative, test again.

If you’ve been around someone with COVID, wait five days and test yourself.

Lots has been debated about current vaccine rules, and as of now the FDA is limiting updated shots to at risk people, those 65 or older or have other health problems. Until now, COVID vaccines had been available to anyone 6 months and older regardless of their health.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health defines at-risk people as those with chronic medical conditions, living in a long-term care facility, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For older adults, a second dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine may be indicated, the health department said.

Most medical provders, pharmacies and state public health clinics have the vaccine.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health says this will deduce your chance of getting or spreading COVID:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Cover your cough
• Stay home if you are sick
• Stay up to date on your vaccinations 

This story was originally published September 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "New COVID variant is spreading rapidly. Symptoms? Do test still work? Info in SC."