COVID-19 is far from being over, as the new Omicron variant Stratus (XFG) is spiking in cases; the student reaction, however, does not match in concern.
The first case of the new strain was documented in January 2025. While the symptoms remain similar to other strains, it is far more contagious.
The XFG variant of Omicron is a combination of two other strains and has mutations, making it more elusive of antibodies from prior COVID infections
Kansas City has had fewer reported cases than it did this time last year; however, since July, cases have been on the rise again.
Roo Wellness reported having the same number of positive COVID cases as they did in the Fall 2024 semester. There are no current precautions in place by the university.
Student reactions to the new variant were very mild; most categorizing it alongside cold and flu season.
“I think people should worry about it like the flu and get vaccines for it, but I don’t know if they should take it as seriously as it was when it first started,” said Brianna Stoddard, who is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship.
Bella Thomas, a biology major, was witness to opposing ends of this variant of COVID.
“There was one that was pretty bad, he couldn’t get out of bed. The other two were fine, they didn’t show too many symptoms,” said Thomas.
Her friend with more extreme symptoms self isolated and took a week to recover. The ones without symptoms went about their lives as normal without taking any precautions.
Similar to the two friends, Hailey Parson, a biology student on the pre-med track, had a professor test positive, however, they had class as normal.
Students had little urgency when it came to getting a booster vaccine and were not concerned about catching the virus.
“I think it depends on everyone’s situation; their lifestyle and how their health is if they should take it [COVID vaccine],” said Ella Smith, business administration major with an emphasis in marketing.
While a new booster shot was approved by the FDA, it is restricted for those who are 65 years or older or considered high risk.
Previously, all COVID vaccines and boosters were available to anyone six-months and older. It is uncommon to have this amount of restriction on vaccines and has caused misinformation about the availability.
While Roo Wellness is not a carrier of the vaccine, they did recommend getting vaccinated if possible, especially for those who are immunocompromised or around those who are.
“The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over the counter medications as needed to help with the symptoms. If you absolutely must go out, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to protect others,” said Kelly Freeland, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner at Roo Wellness- Health Services.
While students were not worried about catching the virus themselves, many still want others to take responsibility when they are feeling ill or are contagious regardless of the illness.
“If people actually did this, I don’t think it would be as big of a deal, but it only takes one to not and then we’re all screwed,” said Niko Lee, an English creative writing student.
If you are feeling ill, Roo Wellness is available to students through appointments for a variety of services that can be scheduled online.
