Doctors say Covid symptoms are changing—here’s what to watch for with new variants

• The Stratus variant is fueling COVID-19 cases across the country.

• The symptoms of the virus look a little different now.

• Here, doctors share what to look for and how to protect yourself from the latest version.

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A new covid variant called XFG is currently fueling cases of the virus across the country. Nicknamed “Stratus,” this variant first caught on in the summer and now makes up about 70% of the country’s COVID-19 cases. As the virus progresses, there may be some signs that you are sick. So, what are the symptoms of COVID-19 in 2025?

While some compare it to the common cold, COVID-19 is still a deadly disease, and certain groups are still at high risk of a more severe form of the virus. But many people are experiencing an uncomfortable illness with symptoms that are little different than what they used to experience with COVID-19.

Infectious disease doctors emphasize that each person’s experience with the virus is different. “Many infections are mild now, but there are still people being hospitalized with Covid,” says William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Meet with the experts: Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York; William Schaffner, MD, an 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 serious illness,” says Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University of Buffalo in New York.

So, what are the biggest COVID symptoms right now? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19 now?

Again, everyone’s experience with COVID-19 is slightly different. “It depends on how much virus you’re exposed to, what your underlying immune status is, and the underlying host — are you a young, healthy host, an elderly host, or a combination of underlying health conditions?” Rousseau says.

But doctors agree that there are some COVID-19 symptoms that many people are experiencing:

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 other inherited symptoms of COVID-19, which may include:

• New loss of taste or smell

• Shortness of breath or shortness of breath

Why are some people experiencing very mild symptoms?

This is likely due to a number of factors, including different dominant forms of the virus and built-up immunity (from vaccinations and previous infections), Dr. Rousseau says.

Dr. According to Schaffner, it’s just the nature of viruses. “COVID is a respiratory virus, and all these viruses can cause similar symptoms in the nose, throat and chest,” he says.

Again, this doesn’t mean that COVID-19 will look like you – it’s what many people are experiencing right now. “I’m thrilled that so many people are experiencing mild symptoms, but you can’t count on that, especially if you haven’t gotten your vaccinations or boosters, and haven’t been infected recently,” says Dr. Russo. “The aftermath of Covid, in terms of long-term COVID, is much more important than it is for influenza.”

Where are the cases increasing?

According to wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these states currently have the highest number of COVID-19 cases:

There are several other states that have moderate levels of the virus, per CDC data.

How long are you contagious with covid-19?

The time you are contagious with COVID-19 can vary, but the virus follows a certain pattern in terms of being able to infect others. “You’re contagious for the day before you get sick and then you’re most contagious for the next two to three days,” Dr. says Schaffner. “Then it turns off, but it’s not like a light switch.”

If you’ve been vaccinated, the time you’ll be contagious will be less than if you haven’t been vaccinated, Dr. Russo says. Overall, Dr. Rousseau says it’s safe to assume you haven’t infected anyone 10 days after you first got sick. “It’s a safe rule of thumb,” he says.

If you plan to be around people who are at risk of getting seriously ill first, such as young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions, Dr. Russo recommends wearing a mask.

How to protect yourself from Covid-19 now

No surprises here — doctors recommend getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven’t already. “Think about taking out your mask and think twice about those holiday gatherings, especially if you’re at high risk,” Dr. says Schaffner. And, of course, do your best to stay away from people who are obviously sick.

While many people have put off testing themselves for COVID-19, it’s still worth doing a home COVID test if you’re going to be around vulnerable people — or if you don’t want to spread what you’ve got to anyone.

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