COVID-19 in fall 2026: variants, the new vaccine and when to test
As of November 5, 2026, CDC says COVID-19 activity is declining nationally, and emergency visits for COVID in the Chicago-DuPage area are holding steady. A lineage called SW.2 leads recent samples. Updated 2026-27 vaccines target the XFG strain, and quick testing still matters for people at higher risk.
Health news · reviewed by the clinical team at Urgent Care Center of WestmontUpdated November 5, 2026
CDC reported on October 30, 2026 that COVID-19 activity is declining nationally.
In the Chicago-DuPage area, COVID-19 accounted for 0.22% of emergency visits in the week ending October 31, with no change in trend.
In CDC's latest variant estimate, the SW.2 lineage made up about 28% of U.S. samples and BA.3.2 about 5%.
The 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccines are updated to target the XFG strain of the JN.1 family.
COVID-19 antiviral pills must be started within 5 days after symptoms begin.
Where COVID-19 stands in early November 2026
The CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, updated October 30, 2026, says COVID-19 activity is declining nationally. CDC expects this fall and winter to look much like last season, with COVID-19, flu and RSV causing about the same number of peak hospitalizations.
Share of emergency visits with a COVID-19 diagnosis (CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program)
Area
Week ending Sept. 26
Week ending Oct. 31
CDC trend
Chicago-DuPage area
0.23%
0.22%
No change
Illinois
0.21%
0.22%
No change
United States
0.53%
0.48%
Decreasing
Right now flu is rising faster than COVID-19 in our area. Because the two can look alike, a test is still the clearest way to know which one you have.
Which COVID variant is going around?
CDC's variant proportions data for the four weeks ending September 26, 2026 (posted October 23) shows a mix of related lineages. These are estimates, because only a limited number of samples are sequenced.
SW.2: about 28% of U.S. samples, the most common lineage
XFG.1.1: about 11%
RV.1: about 9%
PJ.2.1: about 8%
BA.3.2: about 5%. News reports have nicknamed this lineage 'Cicada'.
CDC notes that symptoms can shift a little as new variants appear, so it is wise to test when you feel sick rather than guess.
CDC says treatment is most important for people more likely to get very sick, including:
Older adults, especially people 75 and older
People who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines
People with chronic lung disease or heart disease
People with a weakened immune system
If you are in one of these groups, test as soon as symptoms start. Antiviral pills only work if they are started within 5 days.
The 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine: what changed
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In May 2026, the FDA advised vaccine makers that the 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine formula should target the XFG strain from the JN.1 family, to more closely match the viruses now circulating.
In Illinois, the IDPH fall guidance from September 10, 2026 recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for:
All adults 19 and older
All children 6 through 23 months
Children 2 through 18 in certain risk groups, or if desired
People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, postpartum or breastfeeding
IDPH also issued a standing order so the vaccine can be offered at more locations, and its Vaccine Locator Dashboard helps uninsured or underinsured residents find no-cost vaccines. Ask your pharmacist or primary care office which product fits you.
COVID-19 testing and treatment at our Westmont, IL clinics
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Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, offers walk-in COVID-19 testing 7 days a week in Westmont, IL. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
Choose the right testWe offer rapid antigen and PCR tests. A clinician can help you pick one based on your symptoms and timing.
Test for other viruses if neededWe can also test for flu, RSV and strep, which can cause similar symptoms.
Get a treatment planYour clinician explains the result and recommends treatment, which may include a prescription antiviral when appropriate.
Imaging if neededIf pneumonia is a concern, a chest X-ray is available at our 29 N Cass Ave clinic only.
The CDC testing guide notes that a single negative rapid test cannot rule out COVID-19. If you have symptoms, a second rapid test 48 hours later, or a PCR test, gives a clearer answer.
When to come in, and when to stay home
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You are at higher risk and have symptoms that started in the last few days.
Your home test is negative but you still feel sick and want a clearer answer.
A cough, fever or sore throat is getting worse instead of better.
You need a work or school note.
Stay home until your symptoms are improving and you have had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine. Then take extra care for 5 days, such as masking and keeping your distance from people at higher risk. You can book online for the Cass Ave clinic.
In CDC's latest estimate, for the four weeks ending September 26, 2026, a lineage called SW.2 was the most common at about 28% of U.S. samples. XFG.1.1, RV.1 and PJ.2.1 followed. BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada' in the news, was about 5%. Sequencing numbers are small, so these shares are estimates.
Is the 2026-27 COVID vaccine different from last year's?
Yes. The FDA advised that the 2026-27 vaccines target the XFG strain from the JN.1 family, chosen to more closely match the viruses now circulating. In Illinois, IDPH recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for all adults 19 and older, young children 6 to 23 months, and people who are pregnant or postpartum.
Should I test for COVID if I think I have the flu?
Yes, if the result would change what you do. Flu and COVID-19 cause many of the same symptoms, and each has its own antiviral treatment with a short window. Flu medicine works well when started within two days, and COVID-19 pills must start within 5 days. Testing for both helps your clinician choose.
When should I test again after a negative home test?
If you have symptoms and your rapid antigen test is negative, CDC and FDA advise testing again 48 hours later, for a total of two tests. A single negative rapid test cannot rule out COVID-19. A PCR test is more sensitive and can confirm the result in one step.
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