While "COVID variant 5" isn't a specific official name, current Omicron subvariants (like JN.1, KP.2, KP.3) generally have incubation periods of 2 to 4 days on average, significantly shorter than earlier strains, with symptoms appearing anywhere from 1 to 14 days after exposure, though usually much sooner, showing higher contagiousness.
The COVID-19 incubation period typically ranges from 2- 14 days but averages 3-5 days. COVID is most contagious from two days before to three days after your symptoms start.
Common Symptoms of the New COVID Variant (2025):
Once the virus lands on a porous material like a fabric, the droplets evaporate much quicker than they do on a hard surface. However, studies have shown the virus can last about two days on some fabrics. It's unlikely you'll get COVID from your bedding, though.
Key points. People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may start as mild, and some people will progress to more severe symptoms.
COVID-19 tends to be most contagious in the first 1-2 days before and up to 8-10 days after symptoms begin. It's important to monitor your symptoms and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.
In a highly immune adult population, median SARS-CoV-2 viral loads by cycle threshold and antigen measurements peaked on the fourth day of symptoms, with implications for testing practice. In contrast, viral loads for influenza A peaked soon after symptom onset.
Throw out all of the trash.
For anyone who is ill in your home, try dedicating a lined trash can for that one person's use. It's a good idea (and a CDC precaution for all cleaning and disinfecting during a time of virus) to wear gloves when you are removing or handling any trash bags.
Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.
Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.
One of the most talked-about emerging strains this year is the NB.1.8.1 variant, part of the Omicron family. While current evidence suggests it is not more severe than previous variants, it is spreading quickly and causing concern due to its highly contagious nature.
Symptoms
Day 8-10: Symptoms may peak, including high fever and significant respiratory distress. Day 11-12: Plateau of symptoms; monitoring required for any signs of improvement or worsening. Day 13-14: Some individuals may begin to notice gradual improvement, especially if supportive care and treatment are effective.
Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.
During the incubation period, germs take up residence in your body and start making copies of themselves (reproducing). Soon, your immune system takes notice and jumps into action to clear out the invaders. This immune response leads to inflammation and symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, rash or diarrhea.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible
Bringing fresh, outdoor air into your home helps keep virus particles from accumulating inside. If it's safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as you can to bring in fresh, outdoor air.
However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, operating an air cleaner can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family.
Once you have had COVID-19, your immune system responds in several ways. This immune response can protect you against reinfection for several months, but this protection decreases over time. People with weakened immune systems who get an infection may have a limited immune response or none at all.
Cardboard. The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study that tested how long the Coronavirus can remain stable on different kinds of surfaces within a controlled laboratory setting. They found that it was still detectable on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
The flu virus can live on clothing like gloves and scarves for two or three days, while diarrhea-causing viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus, may thrive for as many as four weeks.
Soak: Soak the bristles in an antimicrobial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide solution for a few minutes.
COVID-19 virus particles can be spread via coughing, sneezing, breathing or speech, but the latter is one of the most effective ways of spreading. Here is why talking without a mask indoors could be one of the easiest ways to spread the infection.
Our results suggest that high virus exposure levels, which may often occur when exposed to a cohabitant with COVID-19, contribute to greater disease severity and stronger antibody responses.
If multiple members of your household have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, it's OK to isolate together—you will not make each other sicker by doing so.