The main symptoms of COVID-19 right now, with current variants, often include sore throat, fever, and chills, but symptoms can vary, with others like cough, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches being common; it's similar to a cold or flu but often presents with more throat symptoms. Because symptoms overlap with other respiratory viruses, testing is key for confirmation, as mild or no symptoms can still occur.
Common New COVID Variant Symptoms in 2025
Some people may have symptoms that get worse about 5 to 7 days after symptoms start. Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. But COVID-19 can cause serious medical complications and lead to death. Older adults and people who already have medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Most people recover within a few days. Some people stay unwell far longer with long COVID.
To relieve COVID-19 symptoms fast, focus on rest, fluids, and OTC meds for fever/pain (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) and cough, while staying home to prevent spread; high-risk individuals should contact a doctor about antivirals like Paxlovid, which must start within 5 days of symptoms, as treatment significantly helps manage the illness and prevent worsening.
“You should be hydrated enough so that your urine is almost clear,” says Thayer. If you have diarrhea or if you're sweating from a fever or chills, make sure you have salt or a little sugar in your fluids—think broths, fresh juices or electrolyte solutions like Gatorade—because salt and sugar can help you retain water.
It loves to hang out in your lungs, so don't make things worse by allowing air sacs to collapse by staying in bed,” Dr. Lacy said. “With COVID-19, you don't want to compromise your lungs any more.” So, get out of bed even if it hurts to breathe.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms of a cold may come on gradually, while the flu usually starts abruptly. Below is a chart that may help determine which illness you have. Symptoms can vary widely with each of these illnesses.
Taking Care of Yourself at Home
You can be contagious for 1-2 days before symptoms appear and up to 8-10 days following symptom onset. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. Social distancing should continue until, for at least 24 hours, symptoms improve and you're fever-free without medications.
The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.
Viral shedding by asymptomatic people occurs. Viral shedding may antedate symptom onset by 2 days. Viral titers are highest in the earliest phases of infection, 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms, and then in the first 4-6 days of illness in patients without immunosuppression.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold? COVID-19 symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. But symptoms of a common cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. There's no cure for the common cold.
Researchers in Japan have pinpointed a biological cause of Long COVID brain fog using advanced PET brain imaging. They discovered widespread increases in AMPA receptor density linked to cognitive impairment and inflammation.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests can help identify people who may have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or have recovered from COVID-19. Antibody tests should not be used to tell you if you have an active COVID-19 infection.
Take Over-The-Counter Medications
If used accurately, they can shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours and decrease the risk of complications, especially in high-risk populations. If your symptoms include a sore throat or cough, use over-the-counter cough drops or cough medicine, such as Robitussin or Delsym.
Self-isolating (staying at home) is not a legal requirement if someone has covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms or has tested positive. To decide what a worker should do, employers should follow: government guidance. their organisation's self-isolation policy, if they have one.
Common Symptoms of the New COVID Variant (2025):
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include: Fever or feeling feverish/having chills (Not everyone with flu will have a fever.) Cough. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Sneezing can be a symptom of COVID-19. It was originally thought to be a much rarer symptom. It has since become more common with newer COVID-19 variants and in vaccinated people who contract the virus. 1 Even so, the common cold and allergies are a more likely cause of sneezing.
Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they?
Bathing and Hair Washing: It is safe to take a bath and wash your hair while you have COVID-19. Maintaining personal hygiene is important. Water Temperature: Use warm water, as it can be soothing, especially if you have body aches or chills.
Regular Healthy Walking may help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. Therefore, incorporating walking into other physical exercise may reduce COVID-19 symptom severity and speed up COVID-19 recovery.