COVID Sub Variants in 2025: History, List, and Other Details

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2019, continues to evolve as new subvariants of the virus emerge. In 2025, multiple subvariants have been identified globally, including in India, raising concerns over increased transmissibility and changes in symptoms. Understanding the history, list of known subvariants, and other crucial details is essential for effective prevention and management.
In this article, we explore the timeline of COVID Sub Variants, the list of the most recent subvariants in 2025, symptoms, and what you need to know about staying safe.

What Are COVID-19 Sub-Variants?

COVID Sub Variants are offspring of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus‘s genetic material. As the virus reproduces, it mutates, and sometimes becomes different sub variants which may spread easier or may cause different symptoms. Global medical organizations, like the WHO, can track these variants and subvariants carefully to gauge their effects on public health.

A Brief History of COVID-19 Variants

Since the first outbreak in Wuhan, China in late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has gone through thousands of mutations. Some of these led to Variants of Concern (VOCs), which include:

Key COVID-19 Sub-Variants in 2025

In 2025, there are several different subvariants of COVID-19, each with unique properties, rates of transmission, and illness manifestations. While the severity of illness from these new subvariants is still much lower than Delta, the increased incidence of COVID-19 infections caused by JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7 has led to renewed health surveillance. It is important to know the differences between the various sub-variants for effective disease surveillance and overall response. Check out the table below for the major subvariants (now being detected in India and elsewhere worldwide).

List of COVID-19 Sub-Variants in 2025

JN.1 (Omicron sublineage)

• Detected: Late 2023, globally dominant by early 2025

• Notable Features: Derived from BA.2.86 (Pirola); higher transmissibility

• Symptoms:

  • Mild fever

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Sore throat

  • Dry cough

NB.1.8.1

• Detected: Tamil Nadu, India (April 2025)

• Spread: Southern India

• Symptoms: Similar to JN.1, often includes sore throat and sinus congestion

LF.7

• Detected: Gujarat, India (May 2025)

• Cases: Limited

• Symptoms: Headache, mild fever, respiratory irritation

Geographic Spread in India

As of May 2025, these sub variants are active in:

• Kerala: Highest number of JN.1 infections

• Tamil Nadu: NB.1.8.1 variant spreading

• Maharashtra & Delhi: Rising COVID positivity rate

• Gujarat: LF.7 cases under surveillance

• Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh: Mild clusters

India’s Union Health Ministry has issued alerts for states reporting higher test positivity.

Symptoms of 2025 COVID-19 Sub-Variants

While symptoms vary slightly by subvariant, the most common signs reported include:

• Mild fever (not exceeding 100.5°F)

• Dry or sore throat

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Muscle and body aches

• Diarrhea or abdominal discomfort

• Persistent fatigue

Unique Symptom of JN.1: Mild but persistent fever without chills — a deviation from classic COVID symptoms.

Vaccination & Immunity Status

Despite new subvariants, current vaccines and boosters continue to offer strong protection:

• Protection Against Severe Illness: High

• Breakthrough Infections: Mild/moderate

• Booster Dose Recommended: Especially for the elderly, immunocompromised, and healthcare workers

India has begun rolling out variant-specific boosters in select high-risk zones.

WHO and Government Advisory

• Testing Protocols: RT-PCR remains effective for detection.

• Travel Guidelines: Screening reintroduced at international airports.

• Mask Advisory: Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.

• Isolation Norms: Mild cases advised home isolation for 7 days.

How These Variants Differ from Previous Ones

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