This post was last checked and updated in March 2026.
Rates of COVID-19 continue to fluctuate throughout the year, and people have asked how the most common current lineages - or groups of genetically similar viruses - compare to previous COVID-19 variants.
What have we seen so far?
The most common current variants remain XFG and NB.1.8.1 (sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus and Nimbus variants). You can see our latest data on the National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports.
Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
What about the BA.3.2 variant?
We are also monitoring BA.3.2, a highly divergent descendant of the Omicron BA.3 lineage that re-emerged in South Africa in late 2024. It has since been sporadically detected across multiple continents, including recent identification in England. Early indicators suggest that BA.3.2 - sometimes called the ‘Cicada’ variant - and related sub-lineages are increasing in the UK.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated BA.3.2 a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). WHO currently assesses the public health risk as low, as there is no evidence of increased severity, hospitalisation, or mortality, although available evidence remains limited.
Is there any impact on testing?
It's normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants, we will have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.
If I have COVID-19 symptoms, what should I do?
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. For those of us who absolutely can't stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others:
- wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face
Are there people who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19?
The NHS provides treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. You may be eligible for a COVID-19 treatment assessment if you are aged 12 or over, have symptoms and have tested positive for COVID-19, and have certain health conditions.
These include conditions affecting the immune system, certain cancers or cancer treatments, kidney or liver disease, organ transplants, autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, and conditions affecting the brain, nervous system or lungs. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, speak to your GP or hospital specialist who can advise you.
What vaccination programme is in place for COVID-19 in the UK?
Vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19. The NHS will contact you if you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
What surveillance systems are in place?
We publish the latest surveillance data for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses on the UKHSA data dashboard. We're also getting vital data from those who are admitted to hospital with symptoms and use genome sequencing to understand which variants people are most vulnerable to.
Hospitals are where we will see the more severe cases, and we monitor the numbers of people attending who test positive - or with COVID-19 symptoms - very carefully. This helps us understand the growth rate and transmission potential of the current variants.