COVID-19 infection numbers, which had remained modest through the summer months, are now on an upward trajectory across the country. Viral infections are rising or trending upward in 48 states, according to CDC figures, while wastewater surveillance data from Stanford University's WastewaterSCAN program — which monitors sewage to track the spread of infectious disease — reflects elevated levels throughout the nation.

The virus responsible for COVID-19 has undergone notable alterations since it first appeared in 2020. The pathogen retains the capacity to cause death, though its mortality risk across the broader population has declined from earlier levels.

The presentation of COVID-19 symptoms has shifted over the years, meaning that what patients experience in 2025 may differ from earlier patterns. According to Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the University at Buffalo, the condition presents across a wide range of symptoms. Prior immunity — whether from vaccination or past infection — along with any pre-existing health conditions, can shape both the likelihood and severity of COVID symptoms for those who contract the virus. Which variant of COVID-19 a person was exposed to also influences outcomes.

CDC surveillance data show the current COVID-19 surge is being fuelled by two Omicron subvariants, XFG.1.1 and SW.2. Newer variants generally produce milder illness than the earlier Wuhan and Delta strains, a pattern reinforced by the gradual accumulation of immunity across the broader population over the same period.

The recognised list of coronavirus symptoms remains unchanged. According to the CDC, reported signs of illness encompass elevated temperature or chills, a persistent cough, breathing difficulties, throat pain, nasal congestion, a newly developed inability to detect taste or smell, tiredness, muscular discomfort, headaches, nausea or vomiting, and loose stools.

Physicians note that certain COVID-19 symptoms are more prevalent in 2025 than others. According to a Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security expert, the incidence of taste and smell disruption has declined over time. A number of individuals have reported experiencing throat pain as a symptom of the current COVID-19 variant, with some reporting intense discomfort and others experiencing only mild irritation.

Affected individuals may experience anything from a mild respiratory illness resembling a common cold to a broader systemic reaction involving fever, chills, and headache. The condition may also present alongside a dry cough that produces no mucus. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and loose stools may accompany the respiratory illness and throat irritation in certain patients.

A portion of those affected may go on to experience more acute health outcomes linked to the virus. COVID-19 produces mild, influenza-like symptoms in a large portion of the population, while individuals with underlying health vulnerabilities may develop breathing difficulties. Pneumonia is another condition that may develop.

Outcomes vary depending on how each person's immune system reacts to the pathogen, along with their prior exposure to COVID-19. Both prior immunity levels and viral load at the time of exposure are understood to play a role in health outcomes. Hereditary factors also contribute to outcomes.

For individuals with prior immune exposure to COVID-19 who are younger and in good health, the illness may present with symptoms resembling those of a common cold or upper respiratory tract infection, though that outcome is not certain. Illness ranging from mild to acute can affect individuals of any age or health status, though the probability varies. Advancing age is associated with a heightened likelihood of experiencing more acute forms of illness.

Health authorities advise that individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Revised formulations of the vaccines, designed to address the JN.1-lineage XFG variant, have received regulatory clearance from the FDA. Formulations of this type are reported to align more closely with strains currently in circulation, which may offer improved levels of protection. Keeping vaccinations current may help reduce the likelihood of contracting an illness or experiencing a more severe episode, and vaccination is recommended for those falling within established elevated-risk categories.

COVID continues to pose a documented health threat that warrants ongoing public awareness. Vaccination is broadly considered one of the most reliable tools available for preventing infectious disease.