Yahoo Lifestyle These Are the 2 Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now
COVID-19 is still raging, and we're seeing an especially high surge of it in winter 2025—plus high rates of flu, RSV and even HMPV, not to mention that it's common cold season, too. That perfect storm of respiratory messiness can make it tricky to determine with which specific illness you're infected.
COVID is still really dangerous for many, especially people who are older, with pre-existing conditions or who may be immune-compromised. Even if it's not a big deal to you, it may be for someone you love, your favorite barista or just the guy sitting next to you on the bus to work, so please take it seriously.
Here, doctors who have seen it all and help you differentiate whether you've got a cold, COVID or another seasonal delight that's making you feel awful—but of course, speak with your own physician and get tested so you know for sure what's going on and how to get healthy, stay safe and protect others from infection.
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The 2 Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now
Doctors say that the most common COVID symptoms are the same ones they've been seeing for going on five years. According to Dr. Case Tedder, MD, family physician at Orlando Health Physician Associates Clermont, these can include body aches, chills, congestion, coughing, digestive issues (like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea), fatigue, fever, runny nose and sore throat. In severe cases, there may be shortness of breath and chest pain.
That said, the two most common COVID symptoms right now may be a little different than previously.
"While the core symptoms remain similar, there have been some shifts," Dr. Tedder explained. "For example, recent variants like the XEC subvariant may present more with sore throat, fatigue, and coughing, and less frequently with fever, body aches, and chills compared to earlier variants."
"What has changed with COVID is the frequency, severity and risk of complications from these initial symptoms," Dr. David Cutler, MD, board-certified family physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., noted. "The fact that about 97% of Americans have some degree of immunity against COVID through vaccination, prior infection or both makes it difficult to assess the risk posed by any new COVID variant."
Because COVID symptoms overlap with so many other common winter illnesses, it can be tricky to determine which you have, Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, MD, board certified internist, immunologist, pediatrician, pediatric pulmonologist and medical director of the Children's Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif., told us.
"However, if fevers and body aches occur rapidly in 24 hours and the symptoms are severe, then it is time to get tested for influenza and COVID," Dr. Randhawa told us. "Likely, one will be positive."
The order your symptoms come in may be a sign as well, according to Dr. Tedder.
Dr. Tedder says that the flu "typically begins abruptly with a triad of symptoms including cough, muscle pain, fever, chills and body aches." At the same time, RSV "usually comes on gradually with congestion, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and wheezing." He adds that RSV "may also decrease appetite and cause diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children." He notes that COVID-19, meanwhile, usually starts with a fever, with coughing and other symptoms coming on afterward.
What to Do If You're Experiencing COVID Symptoms
Steer clear of others with one exception: Your doctor
"Avoiding crowded places, ill people and close contact can reduce your chance further of acquiring COVID, flu, RSV and other viruses," Dr. Cutler says.
Mask up
"As new variants appear and it is known that asymptomatic people can spread disease, there are no guarantees against acquiring infection. Wearing a well-fitting N95 mask is your best bet," Dr. Cutler told us.
Related: How to Use a Salt Water Gargle for Your Sore Throat
Wash up
"After being in public places, always wash your hands with soap and water," Dr. Randhawa advises.
Get tested for COVID-19
Book it to your physician or at least use a home test you have stashed away.
"It may seem obvious that the most common symptoms of COVID are also the most common symptoms of other viral respiratory infections like influenza and RSV. So, symptoms alone cannot be a reliable indicator of which virus you may have," Dr. Cutler advised.
Related: A New Study Points to an Unexpected COVID Side Effect We Definitely Didn't See Coming
Get the necessary meds once you've got a diagnosis
Getting tested also means you're more likely to get the best and most efficient treatment available for whatever illness you're unlucky enough to get.
"Fortunately, both COVID and influenza have antiviral medications available by prescription if the medications are started within 48 hours of influenza symptoms and within five days of COVID symptoms," Dr. Randhawa said.
Dr. Cutler concurred, "If specific treatment is being considered, such as Paxlovid for COVID or Tamiflu for flu, then specific diagnostic testing should be performed."
Related: This Bizarre Symptom May Be a Sign of Long COVID, According to COVID Experts
Be sure you're up to date on vaccines
Not to get all Monday morning quarterback on you, but getting your annual COVID boosters and flu shots is really important.
"If someone is exposed to a new variant of a respiratory virus to which they have potent immunity then they may not get infected at all, they may acquire an asymptomatic infection or be only mildly ill," Dr. Cutler says. "However, a novel variant that evades existing immunity poses the risk of more severe infection, and even hospitalization or death. This is why staying current with COVID and flu vaccines is so important."
Related: Can You Get Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot at the Same Time? Here's What Doctors Say
Make sure you're in a well-ventilated space
Dr. Cutler says ventilation is a key part of staying healthy, especially during winter with surges of just about everything. While it may be too cold to open windows, try running an air purifier at least.
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