What Are the Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms Today? An Infectious Disease Expert Explains

Whether you’re gearing up for a trip or just going about your daily routine, feeling under the weather can leave you wondering if it’s just fatigue or something more serious like COVID-19. With so many illnesses sharing similar symptoms, it’s natural to question what’s going on with your body.

If it’s been a while since you last thought about COVID, you might be curious about what its symptoms look like in the present day. Are they still the same as before, or have they changed over time as the virus evolved? It’s a reasonable question given how much attention the virus received early on.

To help clear up some of this confusion, an infectious disease specialist from a well-known university shares insights on the current state of COVID-19. This expert has years of experience studying infectious diseases and is staying on top of how the virus continues to change.

Currently, the most dominant COVID-19 strain circulating in the United States is known as the XEC variant. According to data from health authorities, it accounts for nearly half of all cases nationwide. This variant stems from the Omicron family but carries several changes in its spike protein — the part of the virus that lets it attach to and infect your cells.

Because of these mutations, the XEC variant appears to spread more easily than some earlier versions, making it a concern for ongoing transmission.

Despite its genetic changes, the current variant hasn’t brought significant new symptoms. The infectious disease expert points out that the signs are pretty much in line with what people have already come to recognize as COVID-19 symptoms.

These common symptoms include feeling feverish or experiencing chills, persistent coughing, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, and a sore throat. You might also notice nasal congestion or a runny nose, which can sometimes be mistaken for a common cold.

Loss of taste or smell is still a telltale sign for many, along with general feelings of exhaustion and muscle aches. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea may also show up during the course of the illness.

It’s important to remember that despite how familiar these symptoms might sound, this virus still has the potential to cause serious illness, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.

Vaccines remain a crucial tool in fighting COVID-19, especially when it comes to the newer variants like XEC. The latest COVID-19 vaccine formulations have been designed to match current variants more closely, which helps improve their effectiveness.

According to the infectious disease expert, the most recent booster shots provide reasonable protection against the XEC variant. However, it’s worth noting that immunity can decrease over time, so staying up to date with vaccinations is essential to maintain the best possible protection.

If you haven’t received your latest booster, now is a great time to speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. Keeping your vaccine schedule current reduces your risk of severe illness and helps prevent the spread of the virus.

Protecting yourself and those around you means taking a few smart precautions. Keeping your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date is the most effective way to lower your chances of getting seriously sick.

If you fall into a higher-risk category for severe disease — such as older adults or people with certain medical conditions — wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces or places with poor ventilation can add an extra layer of defense.

Everyone should consider their community and family members when navigating respiratory illnesses. If you start feeling symptoms, it’s considerate to stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others at work, school, or social settings.

Regularly testing yourself when feeling unwell is also a helpful way to know exactly what you’re facing and to take the right steps for your health and the safety of those around you.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently take control of your health during times when respiratory infections are more common, keeping yourself and your loved ones safer.