COVID Symptoms in 2025: Duration and New Signs

COVID in 2025: Is It Still a Threat? Symptoms, Testing, and What’s Changed

Remember the days of lockdowns and constant hand-sanitizing? While those extreme measures are largely behind us, COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared. In 2025, it’s still circulating, but what does that mean for you?

The Ongoing Risk: Who’s Most Vulnerable?

For most, a COVID infection in 2025 will be a mild inconvenience. Think of it like a bad cold. However, certain groups remain at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

• Older adults
• Immunocompromised individuals (e.g.,those with cancer)
• People with underlying health conditions like diabetes

Social inequities also play a significant role. In the United Kingdom, those in the most deprived areas are twice as likely to be hospitalized with infectious diseases. This highlights how social determinants of health continue to impact COVID outcomes.

COVID-19 Case Numbers and Hospitalizations in 2025

in australia, 58,000 COVID cases have been reported in 2025. But here’s the catch: testing rates have plummeted. Many people with mild symptoms simply aren’t getting tested, meaning the true number of infections is highly likely much higher.

A snapshot from 14 Australian hospitals revealed 781 COVID-related hospitalizations in the first three months of the year.Extrapolate that across the entire country, and the real hospitalization figure is significant.

While deaths are lower than in previous years, 289 Australians died from COVID-related respiratory infections in January and February 2025. This underscores that COVID, while less deadly still poses a serious threat.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID in 2025?

The classic symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath – remain the most common indicators of a COVID infection. These symptoms have persisted across multiple variant waves.

The Curious Case of Anosmia: Loss of Smell

Early in the pandemic, anosmia (loss of smell or taste) became a hallmark COVID symptom.It typically lasted about a week, but in some cases, it lingered much longer.

Anosmia was more prevalent with the ancestral, Gamma, and Delta variants. It seemed to fade with Omicron, which emerged in 2021. However,recent research suggests loss of smell is making a comeback with newer variants like JN.1, according to a French study.

Interestingly, the French study found no significant differences in other COVID symptoms between older and newer variants. This suggests that while the virus evolves, the core symptoms remain relatively consistent.

Shoudl You Still bother Getting a COVID Test?

Absolutely. Testing is crucial, especially if you have COVID-like symptoms, were exposed to someone with COVID, *and* are at high risk of severe illness. Timely treatment can make a significant difference.

accessing COVID Tests in 2025

If you’re at high risk, consult your doctor or visit a clinic offering point-of-care PCR testing. These tests provide the most accurate results.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs), approved by regulatory bodies, are also readily available for home use. They’re a convenient way to get a rapid result.

Vital Note: A negative RAT doesn’t guarantee you’re COVID-free, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms. Consider it a preliminary indicator,not a definitive diagnosis.

Even if you test positive, isolation is no longer mandatory in many places. However, staying home is still the responsible thing to do.

If you must leave the house while symptomatic, wear a well-fitted mask, avoid crowded public spaces (especially hospitals), and steer clear of individuals at high risk of severe COVID.

How Long does COVID Last in 2025?

For most people with mild to moderate COVID,the illness lasts 7-10 days. That’s roughly the same duration as a typical flu.

You’re contagious starting about 48 hours *before* symptoms appear and remain infectious for up to ten days *after* symptoms begin. After ten days, the risk of transmission drops significantly.

In severe cases, symptoms can persist for longer. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week.

Long COVID: A Lingering Concern

A UK study tracking healthcare workers found that subsequent COVID infections were less likely to result in long-lasting symptoms (longer than 12 weeks). This is encouraging news.

For example, general fatigue was reported in 17.3% of people after their first infection, compared to 12.8% after the second and 10.8% after the third. This suggests the body may develop some level of resilience over time.

Unvaccinated individuals were more likely to experience persistent symptoms. This highlights the protective benefits of vaccination, even against long COVID.

Vaccinated individuals tend to have milder infections and recover faster. This may be because vaccination prevents an overreaction of the innate immune response.

Vaccination: Still the best Defense Against COVID

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent COVID and protect against severe illness. It’s not a perfect shield,but it significantly reduces your risk.

Data from Europe’s most recent winter (not yet peer-reviewed) indicates that COVID vaccines were 66% effective at preventing symptomatic, confirmed COVID cases.That’s a substantial level of protection.

Most Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. if you haven’t, it’s strongly recommended.

Booster Recommendations for 2025

Boosters are available for adults. If you don’t have underlying immune issues, you’re eligible for a funded dose every 12 months.

Boosters are particularly recommended for adults aged 65-74 every 12 months and for those over 75 every six months. These age groups are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

Adults with weakened immune systems should get a COVID vaccine every 12 months and are eligible every six months. This provides crucial protection for vulnerable individuals.

A recent review of over 4,300 studies found that full vaccination *before* a SARS-CoV-2 infection could reduce the risk of long COVID by 27% compared to no vaccination. This is a compelling reason to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations.

With COVID still circulating,hybrid immunity (immunity from natural infection supplemented with booster vaccination) can definitely help prevent large-scale COVID waves. It’s a layered approach to protection.

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Expert Tip:

“Don’t underestimate the power of simple precautions,” says Dr. Emily Carter, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins. “even in 2025, hand hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and staying home when sick can significantly reduce the spread of COVID.”

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FAQ: COVID in 2025 – Your questions answered

Q: Is COVID-19 still a pandemic in 2025?

A: No,COVID-19 is no longer considered a pandemic by the WHO.It is indeed now endemic, meaning it’s consistently present in the population, similar to the flu.

Q: What are the long-term effects of COVID-19 in 2025?

A: Long COVID remains a concern, with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath persisting for months after the initial infection. However, research suggests that subsequent infections are less likely to result in long COVID.

Q: Are there new treatments for COVID-19 in 2025?

A: Yes, antiviral medications like paxlovid are still available and effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, especially for high-risk individuals. New treatments are also under development.

Q: How frequently enough should I get a COVID-19 booster in 2025?

A: The recommended booster schedule depends on your age and health status. Generally, adults without underlying immune issues should get a booster every 12 months.Adults 65-74 should get a booster every 12 months, and those over 75 every six months. Individuals with weakened immune systems should get a booster every 12 months and are eligible every six months.

Q: Is it safe to travel in 2025 with COVID-19 still circulating?

A: Yes, but it’s important to take precautions. Check travel advisories, wear a mask in crowded areas, and be aware of local COVID-19 guidelines. Consider getting travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related expenses.

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Reader Poll:

Have you received a COVID-19 booster in the last 12 months?

Yes

no

Unsure

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pros and Cons of COVID-19 Vaccination in 2025

Pros:

• Reduced risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death
• Lower chance of developing long COVID
• Protection for vulnerable individuals and the community
• Helps prevent large-scale COVID-19 waves

Cons:

• Potential side effects (usually mild and temporary)
• Vaccine effectiveness may wane over time
• Breakthrough infections can still occur
• Some individuals may experience allergic reactions (rare)

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Quick Fact:

Did you know? The development of COVID-19 vaccines was one of the fastest vaccine development efforts in history, thanks to advancements in mRNA technology.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Call to Action: Share this article with your friends and family to help them stay informed about COVID-19 in 2025. Leave a comment below with your thoughts and experiences.

COVID in 2025: An Expert’s Viewpoint on Symptoms, Testing, and ongoing Threats

Time.news sits down with Dr. Alistair Humphrey to discuss the current state of COVID-19 in 2025.

Time.news: Dr. Humphrey, thanks for joining us. COVID-19 is still a topic on everyone’s minds. Can you give us a general overview of where we stand in 2025? Is COVID still a threat?

Dr. Humphrey: Absolutely. While the pandemic phase is over, COVID-19 is now endemic, meaning it’s consistently present in the population, similar to the flu. It’s not as disruptive as it once was, but it’s definitely still a threat, particularly for vulnerable groups. We must understand the ongoing risks, symptoms, and preventive methods.

Time.news: Who are these vulnerable groups you’re referring to?

Dr. Humphrey: Older adults,immunocompromised individuals,and those with underlying health conditions like diabetes continue to be at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Social inequities also play a critically important role. We see higher hospitalization rates in more deprived areas, highlighting how social determinants influence COVID outcomes.

Time.news: Let’s talk case numbers. What’s the picture there in 2025?

Dr. Humphrey: It’s a bit complex. For example, in Australia, we’ve seen a significant number of cases, but testing rates have also dropped. Manny people with mild symptoms aren’t getting tested, so the official numbers are likely an underestimation.Even with lower deaths, 289 Australians died from COVID-related respiratory infections in January and February of this year alone. This shows that while COVID might potentially be less deadly,it can still pose a serious threat.

Time.news: Are the symptoms of COVID-19 changing in 2025?

Dr. Humphrey: Generally speaking, the classic symptoms remain: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath. However, the curious case of anosmia, or loss of smell, is remerging with newer variants like JN.1 [[3]]. It seemed to fade with Omicron, but recent research suggests it’s making a comeback. The good news is that the core symptoms remain relatively consistent across different variants.

Time.news: Should people still get tested for COVID-19 in 2025?

dr. Humphrey: Absolutely. Testing is crucial, especially if you have COVID-like symptoms, have been exposed, and are at high risk of severe illness. timely treatment can make a real difference.

Time.news: What kind of COVID tests are available now?

Dr. Humphrey: Point-of-care PCR tests are the most accurate if you’re at high-risk. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are also readily available for home use and provide a quick result. However, it’s vital to remember that a negative RAT doesn’t guarantee you’re COVID-free, especially if you have symptoms. Consider it a preliminary indicator, not a definitive diagnosis.

Time.news: What about isolation? Should people still isolate if they test positive?

dr. Humphrey: While isolation is no longer mandatory in many places, it’s still the responsible thing to do. If you must leave the house while symptomatic, wear a well-fitted mask, avoid crowded public spaces, and stay away from high-risk individuals.

Time.news: How long does COVID typically last in 2025?

Dr. Humphrey: For most people with mild to moderate COVID, the illness lasts about 7-10 days, which is similar to the flu. You’re contagious about 48 hours before symptoms appear and remain so for up to ten days after symptoms begin. After ten days, the transmission risk drops considerably. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week, consult a doctor