The Cicada COVID variant has been making headlines lately, though it isn’t the virus’s official scientific name. This newer strain has shown a knack for being more transmissible, which explains why so many people are feeling under the weather recently. While a new name can feel intimidating, the core strategies for staying healthy (such as boosting your immunity and practicing smart hygiene) haven’t changed.
If you’re feeling stressed about the potential of catching the Cicada COVID variant, it’s important to note that healthcare systems are now much better equipped to handle these shifts than they were in the early 2020s. By staying informed, you can protect yourself and keep your loved ones healthy too.
What is the Cicada COVID-19 variant BA.3.2?
The Cicada COVID variant BA.3.2 is a new variant of the virus we have known for years. Viruses are very tiny germs. Over time, they change to stay alive. When a virus changes, medical experts call it a variant, according to the World Health Organization. You can think of it like putting on a new coat. The virus is the same inside, but it looks a little different on the outside. Because it looks different, your body might not recognize it right away.
According to a Time magazine article, the new COVID variant carries 70 to 75 new mutations in the spike protein. Still part of the Omicron family of viruses, scientists believe the Cicada virus may still share some genetic similarities to recent variants.
As the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, the virus keeps changing because it wants to keep spreading from person to person. This specific type belongs to a larger family of viruses. Scientists gave it a special number, BA.3.2, to make it easier to track.
The name Cicada was given to it because it appeared quickly in many places, just like the loud bugs that come out in the summer. But do not worry, it has nothing to do with real bugs. It is just a nickname to help people remember it. Medical experts are watching it closely to ensure we stay safe.
What are the symptoms of the Cicada variant?
If you catch this new sickness, you will probably feel like you have a bad cold or the flu. For most people, symptoms start a few days after being near someone who is already sick.
According to an NBC News report, the most common signs include a very sore throat, a runny nose and extreme fatigue. You might also have a persistent cough. Some people develop a fever, which means their bodies feel very hot. You could also have deep body aches, where your muscles feel sore all over.
A few people might even lose their sense of taste or smell, so food might taste like nothing. The good news is that these signs usually do not send people to the hospital. Your body will fight the germs, and you will start to feel better after resting at home for a week or two. Drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of sleep are the best ways to heal.
How contagious is BA.3.2?
When a sickness is contagious, it can spread easily from one person to another. The Cicada COVID variant is very good at doing this. When someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or even just talks, tiny drops of water come out of their mouth. These tiny drops carry the virus. If you breathe them in, you can get sick too, PBS News explains.
Tunde Rasheed, B.Sc. Researcher notes, “This new version of the virus spreads much faster than older versions. Because the virus changed its shape, it is better at slipping past your body’s natural defenses. Even if you were sick before or got your medicine shots, you can still catch it. It moves very quickly through places with many people, like schools, large stores and crowded offices.” This view is backed by Healthline,
That is why it seems like everyone gets sick at the same time. It is very sneaky, but knowing how it spreads is the first step in stopping it. By being careful around sick people, you can stop the germs from jumping to you.
Should you be worried about the Cicada COVID variant?
It is normal to feel a little scared when you hear about a new sickness spreading. But you do not need to panic. For most healthy people, the Cicada COVID variant is just like catching a bad cold. It might make you feel awful for a few days, but it is rarely dangerous.
Our bodies are much better at fighting this virus now than they were a few years ago. We have better medicines, and many people have already built up strong defenses inside their bodies. However, we still need to be careful to protect older people and those who are already sick.
For a grandmother or someone with a weak heart, this sickness can still be very hard to fight. While you do not need to worry too much about yourself, you should consider keeping others safe. By staying home when you feel unwell, you are being a good helper and protecting the people in your town who are not as strong as you are.
The WHO recommends updated COVID-19 shots for previously vaccinated adults ages 75 to 80 and for previously vaccinated adults ages 50 to 60 who are healthy or live with chronic health conditions.
How to protect yourself
Keeping yourself safe from this sickness is simple. You already know the best rules to follow. The first rule is to wash your hands often with soap and warm water. You should wash them for as long as it takes to sing the happy birthday song twice. This washes the invisible germs right down the drain.
According to the NIH, getting your vaccines is the strongest way to stay safe. These shots teach your body how to fight the germs before they even get inside you. If you go to a place with lots of people, you can wear a mask over your nose and mouth to block the tiny water drops.
Also, if you feel tired or start to cough, stay home. Do not go to school or work. Resting in your bed helps you get better faster and keeps the germs away from your friends. By following these easy steps, you can stop the Cicada COVID variant from making you and your family sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are you contagious with the new COVID variant?
According to Pfizer For All, a person is contagious for one to two days before symptoms appear. Afterward, they can be contagious for eight to 10 days.
Can COVID live on pillows and sheets?
WebMD explains that the virus is more likely to survive on hard surfaces, such as plastic or glass, rather than on porous surfaces.
Citations
World Health Organization. Variants Q&A. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/southeastasia/outbreaks-and-emergencies/covid-19/questions/variants-q-a
Park A. What to Know About Cicada, the New COVID Variant. TIME. Published March 31, 2026. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://time.com/article/2026/03/31/new-covid-variant-cicada/
Shakya M, Ma KC, Hughes LJ, et al. Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2 — Worldwide, November 2024–February 2026. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2026;75(10):130-137. doi:https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7510a1
Sullivan K. Do you have the flu, Covid or RSV? Look out for these symptoms. NBC News. Published March 31, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/flu-rsv-covid-cicada-virus-2026-symptoms-signs-rcna265906
PBS News. What we know about the new “cicada” COVID-19 variant. PBS News. Published March 28, 2026. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/what-we-know-about-the-new-cicada-covid-19-variant
Rice A, Citroner G. COVID-19 Symptoms Usually Show Up in This Order. Healthline. Published August 19, 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-symptoms-usually-show-up-in-this-order
World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 vaccines advice. World Health Organization. Published October 8, 2024. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice
NIH. Safeguarding Our Health. NIH News in Health. Published June 17, 2024. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/07/safeguarding-our-health
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