Two new COVID variants, Stratus and Nimbus, are rapidly spreading across the U.S., prompting warnings from health experts. Though “not as severe as the original 2020 strain,” they still cause troubling symptoms like sore throats, coughs, fatigue, body aches, and stomach issues.

Doctors urge four simple protective steps. First, stay home if you feel unwell and avoid high-risk people. Second, wear a well-fitting mask in crowds or poorly ventilated areas. Third, opt for outdoor exercise instead of gyms. Finally, cover your mouth when coughing, wash hands frequently, and use sanitizer before eating. As one expert put it, “The answer is prevention, not panic.”

Nimbus, first detected in China, is known for sore throats described as “razor-blade pain.” Stratus, discovered in Southeast Asia, poses another concern because it’s “harder for the immune system to detect.”

Health officials emphasize that small actions make a big difference. The reminder is simple: taking precautions now could prevent another surge.