• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

2

Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock

3

Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026

1

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

2

Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock

3

Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
HealthCoronavirus

Could you have COVID? Symptoms to watch for in 2025 include sore throat and fatigue

By
Lindsey Leake
Lindsey Leake
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Lindsey Leake
Lindsey Leake
Down Arrow Button Icon
January 10, 2025, 3:17 PM ET
COVID symptoms are similar to those of flu, RSV, and the common cold, and may vary by vaccination status.
COVID symptoms are similar to those of flu, RSV, and the common cold, and may vary by vaccination status.shironosov—Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

New year, new COVID symptoms? Not quite. While new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have come and gone in the five years the illness has circulated the globe, its array of symptoms hasn’t evolved as swiftly.

Recommended Video

Though symptoms may vary by variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), epidemiologists haven’t linked select symptoms to specific variants. If you have COVID more than once, even your individual symptoms may differ from infection to infection.

That said, with the “quad-demic” of COVID, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus making the rounds this winter, how do you know which illness your symptoms reflect? Testing, a process with which you’ve likely become intimately familiar these last few years, is the only way to know for sure.

Free, rapid COVID tests—four per household—are still available at COVIDtests.gov. They’re also sold at countless stores and online retailers. Some over-the-counter and laboratory tests can use a single sample to determine whether you have COVID, influenza A, influenza B, and/or RSV. A norovirus test must be completed by a health care professional, and there’s no test for the common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID?

COVID symptoms may vary based on your vaccination status, the CDC notes, and new symptoms may emerge as the coronavirus continues to evolve. For now, these are among the common indicators, which range from mild to severe:

  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat

The following symptoms are less common, according to the World Health Organization:

  • Rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
  • Red or irritated eyes

Not everyone who tests positive for COVID will exhibit symptoms, but those who do may notice symptoms two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. People with COVID can be contagious anywhere from one to two days before and eight to 10 days after their symptoms begin, the CDC says. You can still spread the virus to others if you’re asymptomatic.

Which COVID symptoms require emergency care?

If you or someone in your care shows any of the following symptoms, the CDC urges seeking emergency medical care:

  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Lips, skin, and nail beds that appear pale, blue, or gray
  • New confusion
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Trouble breathing

How do I treat my COVID symptoms?

While over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide relief for most people with mild symptoms, the CDC says, it’s a good idea to discuss treatment options with your doctor as soon as you test positive for COVID.

People with certain medical conditions ranging from asthma to cancer to obesity are at high risk of severe COVID infection. People who have never gotten a COVID vaccine or aren’t up to date on their vaccinations are also at increased risk. Your health care provider will determine whether prescription antiviral medication such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir) or Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is right for you. To be effective, these treatments must be started within five to seven days of symptom onset.

Read more from Fortune

  • Medical researchers baffled by Trump administration's stop work order for clinical trial system: 'A giant step backwards'
  • Bosses are making a major mistake that's fueling stress at work, the CEO of Calm warns
  • Michelle Obama on a common parenting mistake that keeps kids from learning
  • 2 ways to drastically reduce your microplastics exposure
  • Why you should be walking after every meal, according to science
  •  

    Subscribe to Well Adjusted, our newsletter full of simple strategies to work smarter and live better, from the Fortune Well team. Sign up for free today.

    About the Author
    By Lindsey Leake
    LinkedIn iconTwitter icon
    See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
    Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

    Latest in Health

    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025

    Most Popular

    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Finance
    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
    By Fortune Editors
    October 20, 2025
    Fortune Secondary Logo
    Rankings
    • 100 Best Companies
    • Fortune 500
    • Global 500
    • Fortune 500 Europe
    • Most Powerful Women
    • World's Most Admired Companies
    • See All Rankings
    • Lists Calendar
    Sections
    • Finance
    • Fortune Crypto
    • Features
    • Leadership
    • Health
    • Commentary
    • Success
    • Retail
    • Mpw
    • Tech
    • Lifestyle
    • CEO Initiative
    • Asia
    • Politics
    • Conferences
    • Europe
    • Newsletters
    • Personal Finance
    • Environment
    • Magazine
    • Education
    Customer Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Customer Service Portal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • Single Issues For Purchase
    • International Print
    Commercial Services
    • Advertising
    • Fortune Brand Studio
    • Fortune Analytics
    • Fortune Conferences
    • Business Development
    • Group Subscriptions
    About Us
    • About Us
    • Press Center
    • Work At Fortune
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Site Map
    • About Us
    • Press Center
    • Work At Fortune
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Site Map
    • Facebook icon
    • Twitter icon
    • LinkedIn icon
    • Instagram icon
    • Pinterest icon

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.


    Latest in Health

    UPS workers process boxes in a sorting facility.
    North AmericaUPS
    UPS is shelling out nearly $50 million on temperature-controlled facilities to meet the booming demand for GLP-1 deliveries
    By Sasha RogelbergJune 23, 2026
    15 hours ago
    dr
    HealthCancer
    The U.S. cut cancer deaths by 34% since 1991—but not in 458 rural counties
    By Arthur Cosby and The ConversationJune 23, 2026
    17 hours ago
    Woman hides from the sun in front of Big Ben in London
    EconomyEurope
    ‘London isn’t just calling—it’s cooking.’ Europe’s largest economies face over $600 billion in heat-driven losses by 2030
    By Tristan BoveJune 23, 2026
    18 hours ago
    Doctor giving patient injection in volunteer clinic
    HealthHealth
    For the first time ever, no young women in England died of cervical cancer. In the U.S., RFK Jr.’s vaccine skepticism stalls HPV progress
    By Catherina GioinoJune 23, 2026
    19 hours ago
    heat
    Environmentclimate change
    Planet’s heat bill comes due as one billion more people face extreme heat stress than in the 1970s
    By Alexa St. John and The Associated PressJune 22, 2026
    2 days ago
    A man watching a straw hat hands a woman with gray hair a hat.
    EnvironmentFrance
    Europe’s current heat wave is so bad the French are considering banning outdoor drinking and adopting AC ‘if necessary’
    By Oleg Cetinic, Angela Charlton and The Associated PressJune 22, 2026
    2 days ago

    Most Popular

    After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
    Success
    After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
    By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 23, 2026
    23 hours ago
    Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock
    Banking
    Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock
    By Jim EdwardsJune 23, 2026
    1 day ago
    Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
    Personal Finance
    Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
    By Joseph HostetlerJune 23, 2026
    22 hours ago
    Meet the 2 men putting New York's $300 billion pension fund in play for the first time in 20 years
    Investing
    Meet the 2 men putting New York's $300 billion pension fund in play for the first time in 20 years
    By Nick LichtenbergJune 22, 2026
    2 days ago
    Texas and Charlotte used to build huge McMansions—now they're copying the California design tricks they once mocked
    Real Estate
    Texas and Charlotte used to build huge McMansions—now they're copying the California design tricks they once mocked
    By Sydney LakeJune 22, 2026
    2 days ago
    Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
    Success
    Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
    By Sydney LakeJune 21, 2026
    3 days ago