It feels like every few months there’s a new name in the COVID-19 headlines — another variant to watch, another round of questions. From Delta and Omicron to newer names like XEC and NB.1.8.1, the virus seems to keep changing, keeping us all on our toes.

New COVID-19 variants aren’t a sign that the world is heading back to another round of pandemic era. They’re a natural part of how viruses work — evolving and adapting as they spread. And while that might sound worrying, it doesn’t have to be. Understanding why these variants keep emerging and what they actually mean for you and your family can help you stay informed — and protected.

We’ll discuss how and why COVID-19 variants continue to appear, what this means for daily life in 2025, and the simple steps you can take to keep your home and your loved ones safe — no panic necessary.

Why do new COVID-19 variants keep emerging?

Viruses are masters of adaptation. They’re constantly changing and evolving — and COVID-19 is no exception. But how does this happen, and why do we keep hearing about new variants?

How viral mutations happen

When a virus infects a person, it replicates — making copies of itself over and over again. But this process isn’t perfect. Just like a typing error in a document, tiny mistakes happen in the virus’s genetic code as it’s being copied. These small changes are called mutations.

Most mutations are harmless or even make the virus weaker. But sometimes, a mutation gives the virus an advantage:

• ✅ It might help it stick to human cells more easily
• ✅ It might help it escape some immune responses
• ✅ It might help it survive longer in the air or on surfaces

When a group of mutations work together to create a version of the virus that behaves differently enough, we call it a variant.

Evolution in action: why new variants keep emerging

Because SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spreads so widely — infecting millions of people — it has countless opportunities to mutate. The more the virus circulates, the more chances it has to change. And that’s why new variants keep popping up.

Global travel also plays a big role. Even if a new variant emerges in one country, it can spread across continents in a matter of weeks.

History of COVID-19 variants

Since COVID-19 first appeared in late 2019, we’ve seen several major variants emerge — each with their own unique mutations:

• Alpha (B.1.1.7) — First identified in the UK in late 2020, known for increased transmissibility.
  
• Beta (B.1.351) — Emerged in South Africa, showed some ability to evade antibodies.
  
• Gamma (P.1) — Originated in Brazil, similar concerns about immune escape.
  
• Delta (B.1.617.2) — Dominated globally in 2021 due to its high transmissibility and severity.
  
• Omicron (B.1.1.529) — Detected in late 2021, became the main global strain with many sub-variants (e.g., BA.1, BA.2, BA.5).
  
• Current sub-variants — XBB, XEC, KP.3, LP.8.1, and the latest NB.1.8.1 — each a twist on the Omicron family, with mutations that help them spread or partially dodge immunity.

New variants can cause confusion and concern — but it’s important to remember that:

• Most changes are minor and don’t make the virus more dangerous.
  
• Our vaccines and public health measures still work against the vast majority of variants.
• The real challenge is staying aware and prepared, so we can adapt when needed.

How variants like NB.1.8.1 become dominant

Every variant of COVID-19 is essentially competing with the others. If a new variant:

✅ Spreads more easily (is more transmissible)
✅ Can dodge some of the immune protection from vaccines or past infections
✅ Survives longer in the air or on surfaces

…it has a better chance of outcompeting older variants and becoming the main strain in a community.

This is exactly how we saw Delta quickly overtake Alpha, and later, how Omicron and its sub-variants took over from Delta in late 2021.

NB.1.8.1 is on the rise

NB.1.8.1 is the latest example of this process. It was first listed as a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO), and has now become dominant in parts of China and Hong Kong.

• It’s a sub-variant of Omicron, which already has a strong track record of high transmissibility.
  
• Early data suggests NB.1.8.1 carries mutations that help it spread more efficiently, particularly in communities with partial immunity.
  
• Like other Omicron sub-variants, it might be better at avoiding the body’s immune defences compared to earlier strains.

Here in Australia, there have already been increasing detections of NB.1.8.1,(besides the top 3 variants currently circulating the country) and while it’s not yet the dominant strain, it’s something health officials are watching closely.

What new variants mean for you (and your family)

Hearing about a new COVID-19 variant can bring up a lot of questions — and even some worries. Does it mean the vaccines no longer work? Do we need to change our daily routines all over again? Should we be stocking up on masks and sanitisers like we did in 2020?

The good news is that while new variants like NB.1.8.1 are worth watching, they don’t necessarily mean we’re heading back to square one.

Vaccines still offer strong protection

Even though new variants might have mutations that help them partially dodge some immune defences, updated vaccines continue to provide good protection against severe illness. That means if you’re up to date on your COVID-19 booster shots, you’re still doing a lot to keep yourself and your family safe — especially if you’re in a higher-risk group.

And with winter approaching, it’s not just COVID-19 that’s a concern. Flu season is also ramping up, and having both viruses circulating can put extra pressure on hospitals. A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia by researchers from the Burnet Institute found that administering COVID-19 boosters alongside the annual influenza vaccine could reduce COVID-19-related hospital admissions by up to 14%. This dual approach not only simplifies the vaccination process but also enhances community immunity.

Small precautions still make a big difference

You don’t need to overhaul your life every time a new variant pops up — but staying aware and taking simple precautions can go a long way in reducing risk.

• Using a high-quality mask like a P2 or N95 in crowded or high-risk settings
  
• Practising good hand hygiene (Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, or use a hand sanitiser like ViroCLEAR Hand Sanitiser.

ViroCLEAR is alcohol-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone wanting to avoid the dryness and irritation that can come from repeated use of harsh alcohol-based sanitisers.)

• For extra peace of mind, keep hand wipes on hand for quick clean-ups when soap and water aren’t available.
• Using TGA-listed disinfectants like ViroCLEAR on frequently touched surfaces
• Testing using rapid antigen tests if you have symptoms or are exposed to someone with COVID-19
• Ventilating your home, especially when you have visitors

These are the same steps that worked for Delta, Omicron, and all the other variants — and they still work today.

And with flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections like RSV and adenovirus often sharing similar symptoms (cough, fever, fatigue), it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s causing your sniffles. Fortunately, it’s now much simpler to find out. The 5-in-1 combo test available in Australia can detect COVID-19, adenovirus (AdV), RSV, and both Influenza A and B in one easy swab — helping you get answers quickly and take the right next steps for your health.

The bottom line: stay informed, stay prepared — and breathe easier

Emerging COVID-19 variants like NB.1.8.1 remind us that the virus continues to adapt. With updated vaccines, simple precautions, and reliable information, we’re better equipped than ever to keep ourselves and our families healthy.

Staying informed about emerging variants, understanding how they spread, and knowing how to protect yourself can make all the difference — especially as we head into winter, when flu and other respiratory infections are also on the rise.

So take a deep breath (literally!). Keep your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations up to date, use trusted low-tox protection like AMD masks and ViroCLEAR disinfectants, and remember: you have the tools to stay safe and live confidently — no matter what new variant comes along.

Explore our range of health essentials and stay prepared for a safer, healthier winter

 

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