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The Stratus variant is fueling COVID-19 cases across the country.
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The symptoms of the virus look slightly different now.
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Here, doctors share what to look out for and how to protect yourself from the latest variant.
A newer variant of COVID, called XFG, is currently fueling cases of the virus across the country. Dubbed “Stratus,” this variant first occurred over the summer and now accounts for nearly 70 percent of the country’s COVID-19 cases. As the virus progresses, so may some signs that you are sick. So what are the symptoms of COVID-19 in 2025?
While some liken it to the common cold, COVID-19 is still a deadly disease, and certain groups are still at greater risk of a more severe form of the virus. But many people are dealing with an uncomfortable illness, with slightly different symptoms than they felt when they had COVID-19.
Infectious disease doctors point out that each person’s experience with the virus is different. “Now many infections are milder, but there are still people hospitalized with COVID,” says William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York; William Schaffner, MD, infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Even if you’re not in a high-risk group for serious complications from COVID-19, “you can’t count on avoiding severe illness,” says Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York.
So what are the biggest symptoms of COVID right now? Here’s what you should know.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 now?
Again, everyone’s experience with COVID-19 is slightly different. “It depends on a combination of how much virus you’re exposed to, what your underlying immune status is, and the underlying host — are you a younger, healthier host, an older host, or do you have underlying health conditions?” says Dr. Russo.
But doctors agree that there are a few symptoms of COVID-19 that many people experience:
This constellation of symptoms can make COVID-19 feel like a bad cold if you’re lucky enough to get a mild case.
But it’s still possible to experience the other inherited symptoms of COVID-19, which may include:
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A new loss of taste or smell
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Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
Why do some people experience milder symptoms?
It’s likely due to several factors, including the different dominant variant and accumulated immunity to the virus (from vaccination and previous infection), says Dr. Russo.
It’s also just the nature of the virus, according to Dr. Schaffner. “COVID is a respiratory virus and all these viruses can produce similar symptoms involving the nose, throat and chest,” he says.
Again, this doesn’t mean this is what COVID-19 will look like for you – it’s just what many people are dealing with right now. “I’m pleased that many people experience mild symptoms, but you can’t count on it, especially if you haven’t had your vaccine or boosters and haven’t been infected recently,” says Dr. Russo. “The downstream consequences of COVID, in terms of long-term COVID, are much more significant than for the flu.”
Where are the cases increasing?
According to wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of COVID-19 are currently high in these states:
There are plenty of other states with moderate levels of the virus, according to CDC data.
How long are you contagious with COVID-19?
The length of time you are contagious with COVID-19 can vary, but the virus tends to follow a certain pattern in terms of its ability to infect others. “You’re contagious for a day before you get sick, and then you’re most contagious for the next two to three days,” says Dr. Schaffner. “It goes off after that, but it’s not like a light switch.”
If you’ve been vaccinated, the amount of time you’re contagious will be less than if you’re not vaccinated, Dr. Russo says. In general, Dr. Russo says it’s safe to assume you’re not likely to infect anyone 10 days after getting sick. “That’s a safe rule of thumb,” he says.
If you plan to be around people who are vulnerable to becoming seriously ill before then, such as young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions, Dr. Russo recommends wearing a mask.
How to protect yourself from COVID-19 right now
No shocker here – doctors recommend getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already. “Consider removing your mask and think twice about those holiday gatherings, especially if you’re at high risk,” says Dr. Schaffner. And of course, do your best to stay away from people who are obviously sick.
Although many people have stopped testing for COVID-19, it’s still worth getting a COVID test at home if you’re going to be around vulnerable people or you just don’t want to spread what you have to anyone.
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