Curtain Raiser: COVID-19 Symptoms To Watch for In 2025
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Komal Daryani
on May 30, 2025
Last Edit Made By Komal Daryani
on Jul 19, 2025
COVID-19 has undergone significant evolution since its emergence. In 2025, it will be the fifth year of the pandemic. The virus continues to spread, and its symptoms have evolved compared to earlier variants, such as Delta or Omicron.
Did you know?
- COVID-19 has always been adept at hiding its identity, but in 2025, its symptoms have become more subtle and varied than before.
- New COVID variants circulating in India are causing mild symptoms, such as fever, cold, and cough, similar to those of a regular viral fever. Overall, as of May 26, 2025, the country has reported a total of 1010 active COVID cases and seven deaths in the last week, while 305 people have been cured or discharged. Additionally, approximately 800- 1000 cases per day.
Therefore, knowing current symptoms can help you seek timely testing and isolate early to protect yourself and others.
The Evolution of COVID-19 Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 in the early stages were loss of smell and taste, dry cough, and fever. They were the hallmark indicators of infection. However, the virus has adapted, and new subvariants are emerging over time, such as Omicron’s subvariant BA.1.8.1 and XBB. Now, in 2025, KP.2, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1 are FLiRT variants that are originally descendants of JN.1, and their presentation symptoms have changed.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have revealed that it is more challenging to identify COVID-19 without a test, as symptoms of COVID-19 now tend to mimic those of other respiratory infections.
Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/news/why-is-covid-19-rising-in-asia/
10 Common Symptoms of COVID in 2025
According to the recent data, the common symptoms of patients infected with the current variants include:
1. Sore Throat
A mild or painful throat with hoarseness is one of the common signs of COVID-19, which can linger for several days. You may mistake it for a cold or seasonal flu.
2. Runny or Stuffy Nose
You might mistake a runny or stuffy nose for seasonal allergies, but it could be COVID-19. Additionally, you may experience nasal congestion or sneezing, which is widely reported, especially among younger individuals.
3. Dry Cough
A dry cough is often non-productive, meaning it does not produce mucus. It can remain for several days. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue is very common in COVID-19. You may experience fatigue, low energy, or exhaustion in mild COVID-19. Fatigue can persist even after recovering from COVID-19, sometimes lasting for weeks or months. This is known as long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.
5. Headache
Headache is another common symptom of COVID-19 that typically begins early in the illness and may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, body aches, or eye strain.
6. Low-grade Fever or Chills
A fever between 100.4°F (38°C) and 102.2°F (39°C) is a low-grade fever. Chills can accompany it. During COVID-19 in 2025, fever is less common than it was during the Delta wave.
7. Muscle or Body Aches
Mild muscle pains or general body aches are a secondary notable symptom, especially among older adults. They often describe them as feeling like the flu. They often complain about spreading to other parts of the body, such as the back, legs, or arms.
8. Shortness of Breath (in Severe Cases)
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of COVID-19. It is more common in vulnerable groups such as older people, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying lung conditions.
9. Loss of Taste or Smell (Less Common Now)
Loss of taste or smell was a distinctive symptom in earlier variants of COVID-19. Now, it is rare with newer variants, affecting fewer than 10% of cases.
10. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Elderly and children with COVID-19 may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain as early signs. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may lead to dehydration.
How Is COVID-19 Diagnosed in 2025?
COVID-19 in 2025 arrives with symptoms that overlap with those of the flu, allergies, or other respiratory infections. Healthcare professionals may use several testing methods to diagnose it, such as:
- Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT): The RAT tests provide quicker results and are 70% accurate. They are highly suggested for symptomatic individuals or those with high-risk exposure. These tests are best for home or walk-in use.
- RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): Healthcare professionals recommend the RT-PCR test for COVID-19 because it has high sensitivity (around 95-99%) and specificity, making it a reliable method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 at early stages.
Additionally, it can be performed on different sample types, including nasopharyngeal swabs, throat swabs, and saliva.
- Combo Tests: New multiplex PCR tests can detect COVID-19, influenza A/B, and RSV simultaneously with 99% accuracy.
- Serology/Antibody Test: Serology/Antibody Test for COVID-19 helps detect the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the blood.
When to Seek Medical Help?
You should seek medical help immediately in the following situations:
- If you experience symptoms, like
- Difficulty breathing
- low-grade fever
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
- If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- Additionally, if you are traveling or have elderly relatives at home who are vulnerable to the infection.
Note: In all these conditions, consider getting boosted and tested. There could be signs of a serious infection that could prove fatal to your life if not managed in time.
What’s Different in 2025?
- COVID-19 in 2025 is different from earlier variants. New subvariants, such as NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, descendants of the JN.1 lineage of Omicron, are fueling the ongoing increase in cases. These variants exhibit increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Continue to emerge, but most of them are less severe, especially in vaccinated individuals.
- Staying well-informed is important because new variants evolve rapidly, and the symptoms of COVID-19 shift quickly.
- COVID is now considered endemic, which means it is very much there and managed like the flu.
- Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand are experiencing significant spikes.
- Testing for COVID-19 is rapid and accessible.
- Masking and social distancing are primarily necessary in hospitals, elder care facilities, or during spikes in cases.
- India and other countries worldwide are not in a state of panic. Updated vaccinations, boosters, and smart health approaches are in place.
COVID-19 Symptoms in 2025: Prevention Still Matters
Although COVID-19 may seem less severe now, it remains a public health concern. Precautionary guidelines recommended by health authorities include:
- Stay Updated: Stay well-informed about COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.
- Mask Usage: Wear masks in crowded indoor spaces, especially during periods of high demand.
- Hand Hygiene: Practice good hand hygiene, including the use of hand sanitizer and proper respiratory etiquette.
- Self-Isolation: Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
- Medications: An antiviral drug, such as Paxlovid, is your go-to treatment for COVID-19. Taking it within five days of the onset of symptoms will reduce the progression of the infection, and therefore, hospitalization may be avoided.
- Maintaining safe distancing is crucial in public areas.
- Hospitalization and specialized care may be required in severe cases.
- Testing: If your symptoms persist, undergo RT-PCR to help healthcare professionals detect the presence of specific genetic materials.
Note: Special guidelines have been issued for pregnant women, individuals with comorbidities, and senior citizens.
Other Precautions Include
Health advisories have also suggested:
- Hospital Readiness: The Karnataka state government has already instructed hospitals to make oxygenated beds, ventilators, and essential medicines available to handle emergency cases related to COVID-19.
- Mild Cases: Mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be effectively managed with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.
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Final Thoughts
COVID-19 and its symptoms continue to evolve. Present cases show mild symptoms, especially in vaccinated individuals. New variants can bring subtle changes in how the virus shows up. Staying well-informed about emerging symptoms, even those that share similarities with the common cold or allergies, can make a big difference. They can prevent them from further spreading and keep you protected.
If you face discomfort, take your symptoms seriously. They may include symptoms such as a sore throat, fatigue, or gastrointestinal upset. Keep yourself isolated, test promptly, and discuss with your healthcare professional; recognizing early signs is the key.
Stay informed, stay cautious. Remember: even as the virus evolves, so does your ability to fight it.
In 2025, staying safe means following the guidance provided by the WHO or your local health authorities. The virus may be challenging, but so are we - getting smarter, more prepared, and more resilient every day.
FAQs
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What are the most common symptoms of COVID in 2025?
The most frequently reported symptoms of COVID-19 in 2025 include sore throat, fatigue, mild fever, chills, runny nose, and dry cough.
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Is COVID-19 still dangerous in 2025?
Yes. COVID-19 is still dangerous in 2025, especially for older adults with chronic illnesses and the unvaccinated. While symptoms are milder for many, long COVID and complications are still concerns.
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When should I stay home or isolate myself?
Even if you face mild symptoms, it is best to stay home and get tested. If you test positive for COVID, isolate yourself for 5-7 days or until symptoms resolve and fever subsides for at least 24 hours without medication.
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Are symptoms for new variants different from those of previous variants?
Yes. Earlier COVID-19 symptoms included loss of taste or smell. In contrast, new variants tend to present with upper respiratory symptoms, such as congestion, sore throat, and nausea or diarrhea, which are also being reported more frequently.
