The latest COVID-19 story isn’t just about the virus itself—it’s about how a new variant is changing the symptoms you might notice. The Stratus variant, also labeled XFG, is driving a wave of cases nationwide. Since it first emerged this summer, it has scaled to account for a large share of infections, and experts say the symptoms people feel now can differ from what many experienced earlier in the pandemic. So, what does COVID-19 look like in 2025?
Even though some people compare the illness to a cold, COVID-19 remains a serious disease with real risk for certain groups. For many, the current illness can be milder, yet others still end up hospitalized. It’s also true that a lot of people are dealing with symptoms that feel only slightly different from past COVID cases.
Medical professionals emphasize that each person’s experience is unique.
“Many infections are milder these days, but there are certainly people who still need hospital care for COVID,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease expert and professor at Vanderbilt University.
Experts featured here include Thomas Russo, M.D., a professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, and William Schaffner, M.D., of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Even if you aren’t considered high risk for serious COVID-19 complications, don’t assume you’ll avoid severe illness. “Just because you’re not in a high-risk group doesn’t mean you won’t experience significant symptoms,” notes Russo.
So, what are the main COVID-19 symptoms right now? Here’s what to know.
What does COVID-19 feel like today?
Everyone’s experience with the virus is a little different. It depends on factors like how much virus you’re exposed to, how strong your immunity is (thanks to vaccines or past infections), and your overall health—whether you’re younger and healthy, older, or have underlying medical conditions, Russo explains.
Still, many people report a core set of symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Sinus congestion
- Runny nose
This trio can make the illness resemble a bad cold, especially if you’re fortunate enough to have a milder case.
That said, you can still see the classic, or legacy, COVID-19 symptoms as well, which include:
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Why are some people experiencing milder symptoms now?
Several explanations fit, including which variant is dominant and the level of immunity built up from vaccines and prior infections, Russo says. Schaffner adds that COVID is fundamentally a respiratory virus, and many viruses in the same family tend to produce similar nasal, throat, and chest symptoms.
That doesn’t guarantee this is how COVID will present for you. Many people are having mild symptoms, which is encouraging, but it’s not a guarantee—especially if you haven’t gotten vaccinated or boosted recently or have had a recent infection. Long COVID remains a concern and can be more impactful than complications seen with influenza, Russo cautions.
Where are case numbers highest right now?
CDC wastewater surveillance shows higher activity in certain states, including Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, and Vermont, with many other states reporting moderate levels.
How long is someone contagious?
Contagiousness follows a recognizable pattern: you’re most contagious in the days just before you develop symptoms and for the first two to three days after. It then gradually declines. Vaccination can shorten the contagious period somewhat. As a general rule, it’s reasonable to assume you’re unlikely to spread the virus 10 days after symptoms begin, though individual cases vary.
If you’ll be around people who are especially vulnerable, wearing a mask during that window is prudent.
Ways to protect yourself today
The straightforward guidance remains: get your updated COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already, because immunity helps reduce severity and spread. Consider masking and postponing gatherings if you’re at high risk or around particularly vulnerable individuals. And, of course, avoid unnecessary contact with people who appear sick.
Many people have stopped testing at home, but it’s still a good idea to take an at-home test if you’ll be around vulnerable individuals or if you simply want to confirm your status before social or family events.
