- The Stratus variant is fueling COVID-19 cases around the country.
- Symptoms of the virus look slightly different right now.
- Here, doctors share what to look out for and how to protect yourself from the latest variant.
A newer COVID variant called XFG is currently fueling cases of the virus across the country. Nicknamed “Stratus,” this variant first took hold over the summer and now makes up nearly 70% of COVID-19 cases in the country. As the virus evolves, some signs you’re sick might too. So, what are COVID-19 symptoms in 2025?
While some liken it to the common cold, COVID-19 is still a lethal disease, and certain groups are still at a higher risk of a more severe form of the virus. But many people are experiencing an uncomfortable illness with symptoms that are slightly different from what having COVID-19 used to feel like.
Infectious disease doctors stress that every person’s experience with the virus is different. “So many infections now are milder, but there are still people being hospitalized with COVID,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York; William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the 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, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.
So, what are the biggest COVID symptoms right now? Here’s what you should know.
What are COVID-19 symptoms 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 state of immunity is, and the underlying host—are you a younger, healthier host, an older host, or have underlying health conditions?” Dr. Russo says.
But doctors agree that there are a few COVID-19 symptoms that many people are experiencing:
- Sore throat
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
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 legacy symptoms of COVID-19, which may include:
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why are some people experiencing more mild symptoms?
It’s likely due to a few factors, including the different dominant variant and built-up immunity to the virus (from vaccination and previous infection), Dr. Russo says.
It’s also just the nature of the virus, according to Dr. Schaffner. “COVID is a respiratory virus, and all of these viruses can produce similar symptoms involving the nose, throat, and chest,” he says.
Again, that doesn’t mean that this is what COVID-19 will look like for you—it’s just what many people are experiencing right now. “I’m thrilled that many people are experiencing mild symptoms, but you can’t count on that, particularly if you haven’t gotten your vaccine or boosters, and haven’t recently been infected,” Dr. Russo says. “The subsequent consequences of COVID, in terms of long COVID, is much more significant than it is for influenza.”
Where are cases surging?
According to wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 cases are currently high in these states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Indiana
- Vermont
There are plenty of other states with moderate levels of the virus, per CDC data.
How long are you contagious with COVID-19?
The amount of time you’re contagious with COVID-19 can vary, but the virus tends to follow a certain pattern in terms of being able to infect others. “You’re contagious for the day before you get sick and then most contagious for the next two to three days,” Dr. Schaffner says. “It tapers off after that, but it’s not like a light switch.”
If you’ve been vaccinated, the amount of time that you’re contagious will be less than if you’re unvaccinated, Dr. Russo says. Overall, Dr. Russo says it’s safe to assume that you’re not likely to infect anyone 10 days after you first got sick. “That’s a safe rule of thumb,” he says.
If you’re planning to be around people who are vulnerable to getting seriously ill before then, like small 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. “Think about getting out your mask and think twice about those holiday gatherings, especially if you’re high-risk,” Dr. Schaffner says. And, of course, do your best to stay away from people who are obviously sick.
While many people have stopped testing themselves for COVID-19, it’s still worth taking an at-home COVID test if you’ll be around vulnerable people—or just don’t want to spread what you’ve got to anyone.
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