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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 a little different right now.
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Here, doctors share what to watch 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. Nicknamed “Stratus”, this variant first took off over the summer and now accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s COVID-19 cases. As the virus evolves, so can 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 lethal disease, and certain groups are still at 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 it used to feel like to have COVID-19.
Infectious disease doctors stress that each person’s experience with the virus is different. “So many infections are now milder, but there are still people being 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 state is, and the underlying host—are you a younger and healthier host, an older host, or do you have underlying health conditions?” Dr. Russo says.
But doctors agree that there are a few symptoms of COVID-19 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 is still possible to experience the other legacy symptoms of COVID-19, which may include:
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New loss of taste or smell
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Why are some people experiencing milder symptoms?
It’s likely due to a few factors, including the different dominant variant and built-up immunity to the virus (from previous vaccinations and infection), Dr. Russo says.
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 most people are experiencing right now. “I’m glad that many people are experiencing mild symptoms, but you can’t count on them, particularly if you haven’t had your vaccine or boosters, and you haven’t been infected recently,” says Dr. Russo. “The subsequent consequences of COVID, in terms of prolonged COVID, are much more significant than they are for influenza.”
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 many other states with moderate levels of the virus, according to CDC data.
How long is COVID-19 contagious?
The amount of time you are 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 you’re most contagious for the next two or three days,” says Dr. Schaffner. “It slows down a bit after that, but not like a light switch.”
If you have been vaccinated, the amount of time you are contagious will be less than if you are not vaccinated, says Dr. Russo. In general, Dr. Russo says it’s safe to assume you’re unlikely to infect someone 10 days after you first got sick. “That’s a safe rule of thumb,” he says.
If you plan to be around people who are vulnerable to getting 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 shockers here—doctors recommend getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven’t already. “Think about taking off your mask and think twice about those holiday gatherings, especially if you’re high-risk,” says Dr. Schaffner. 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 doing a COVID test at home if you’re around vulnerable people—or you just don’t want to spread what you have to anyone.
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