Latest Updates on COVID-19 Variants in the U.S.As the United States enters the thick of respiratory virus season, COVID-19 variants continue to circulate and sicken Americans. Currently, the dominant strain in the U.S. is a highly contagious omicron subvariant called HV.1, responsible for an estimated one-third of cases nationwide.Scientists have been closely monitoring HV.1 since it was first reported in the U.S. in late summer. It rapidly overtook other variants, including EG.5 (Eris), becoming the most prevalent strain in October and November, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention.During a two-week period ending on Dec. 9, HV.1 accounted for nearly 30% of new covid-19 infections in the U.S., as reported by the CDC. The next most common variant was JN.1, a new offshoot of BA.2.86 (Pirola), making up 21% of cases, followed by EG.5. HV.1, unlike its predecessors, has yet to gain a catchy nickname.The emergence of HV.1 highlights how the SARS-CoV-2 vir...