The Rise of HV.1: A Dominant COVID Variant in the U.S.

HV.1, the new dominant COVID-19 variant in the United States, is more infectious and better at making people sick, according to a Utah health expert. While it doesn't appear to be more severe than the previous variant, EG.5, it is still causing serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. The timing of the variant's spread during the fall/winter season is concerning, as it coincides with increased indoor activities and holidays. Another newer variant, JN.1, has been detected in Iceland and other countries, but its impact is still being monitored. HV.1 now accounts for over a quarter of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., while Eris, the previous dominant variant, remains close behind.