Cicada COVID Variant Is Spreading: What Gen Z Needs to Know

A new COVID-19 variant is making waves just as spring gets into full swing, and Gen Z is taking notice. The BA.3.2 strain, nicknamed Cicada for its highly mutated nature, has been detected in at least 23 countries and 25 US states according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With 70 to 75 mutations, this Omicron family variant is raising questions about vaccine effectiveness and whether we should be worried about another wave.

The Cicada COVID variant first showed up in South Africa back in November 2024, but it has been spreading steadily since then. According to CBS News, the CDC and World Health Organization are both monitoring the situation closely. While it is not the dominant strain yet, experts say it has the potential to push itself to the front of the line as we head into the summer months.

What Makes the Cicada COVID Variant Different

The sheer number of mutations on the Cicada COVID variant is what has health experts paying attention. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, told CBS News that these mutations give the variant the capacity to evade some of the protections we have built up over the years through prior infections and vaccinations.

A recent study published in the Lancet found that current COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against BA.3.2 compared to dominant strains, though they still provide some level of protection. That does not mean the vaccines are useless, but it does suggest that breakthrough infections might be more common with this particular variant. If you are looking for other health tips to stay protected, check our wellness section.

The good news is that the CDC is not currently reporting a nationwide increase in severe disease from COVID-19. Case rates, emergency visits, and hospitalizations are actually trending downward overall. However, some states like Massachusetts and Florida are seeing estimated increases in cases, so the situation varies depending on where you live.

Symptoms to Watch For and Real Experiences

Symptoms of the Cicada COVID variant are similar to previous COVID strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, and loss of smell or taste. Some people have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms. What is notable is that people who have caught this variant are describing their experiences as particularly rough.

According to Tyla, social media users have been sharing warnings about brutal symptoms lasting weeks. One person described having a 104-degree fever for two days and being unable to get out of bed. Another said they felt like they were dying for three weeks straight. A third person noted that even with recent vaccination, they experienced about a week of symptoms with brain fog lingering the longest.

Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, stated that there is no evidence this variant causes more severe disease or increased hospitalizations compared to others. The intense symptoms some people are reporting might simply reflect how different individuals react to the virus.

Associate Professor Kyle B. Enfield from the University of Virginia told The Conversation that while the Cicada COVID variant is spreading quickly, there is no indication it is more dangerous than other variants. He emphasized that protection remains important, especially given that current vaccines may not be as effective against it.

What Gen Z Should Do to Stay Protected

For Gen Z, the advice is pretty straightforward. The CDC recommends getting the current COVID vaccine if you are 65 or older, have never received a COVID vaccine, or have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes. People who are immunocompromised should also prioritize vaccination. For more science and health news, visit our dedicated section.

Dr. Schaffner suggests timing a vaccine dose for late May or early June to provide protection against the typical summer increase in cases. This timing aligns with what has happened in previous years, where COVID cases tend to rise during the summer months.

Beyond vaccination, the basics still apply. If you feel unwell, stay home to take care of yourself and prevent spreading disease to others. Wash your hands regularly, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces if cases are rising in your area, and pay attention to local health guidance. With spring break travel and summer plans coming up, staying informed about the Cicada COVID variant can help you make smart decisions about your health and social activities.

While it is easy to feel pandemic fatigue after years of COVID headlines, staying aware of new variants helps us all protect ourselves and the people around us. The virus continues to evolve, and so should our approach to staying healthy.