The Most Frequently Reported COVID Symptoms Among Patients in Winter 2025

In several regions across the country, there is an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions.

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There are many viruses circulating this winter, including COVID-19, which is making people ill across the country.

“COVID has continued to circulate year-round, and we’re starting to see patterns where there’s a clear uptick of activity in the winter,” said Dr. Graham Snyder, the medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Snyder remarked that this is not unexpected. During the winter months, we tend to gather indoors more often, creating an environment where germs can transmit easily. With children returning to school, they share germs among themselves, and the colder weather further facilitates the spread of viruses.

Nationally, “emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are rising,” Snyder said.

This winter, you may notice an increase in COVID infections among individuals, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms to protect yourself and your family. Here, medical professionals outline the key indicators of a COVID infection during this season.

Coughing, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat, and fever are all key symptoms associated with COVID-19.

According to Dr. Dawn Nolt, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Oregon Health and Science University, many of the most common COVID symptoms are the ones we all know well at this point, like cough and shortness of breath.

Snyder mentioned that you might experience symptoms such as fever, chills, nasal congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat, and body aches.

Experiencing fatigue is another frequent indicator.

“Many patients report an overwhelming sense of fatigue, often severe enough to hinder their daily tasks and activities,” Dr. Janet Nwaukoni, a family physician based in Chicago, told HuffPost in an email.

When you're feeling unwell, it's important not to force yourself to tackle tasks that you would normally handle with ease. Instead, focus on getting the rest you need, as advised by Nolt.

One symptom that many individuals are not currently facing is the loss of taste and smell.

Nolt clarified, "I believe one aspect we're not observing is the loss of smell or taste, which was frequently mentioned at the start of the pandemic."

She noted that these symptoms have not been common since the emergence of the omicron variant in early 2022.

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If you're experiencing illness, it's advisable to get tested for COVID-19.

If you're experiencing any illness, it's wise to consider taking a COVID test, irrespective of whether your symptoms are mild or more serious. Many winter ailments share symptoms with COVID-19, but there are specific antiviral treatments available for COVID that can aid in your recovery and help you feel better more quickly.

According to Snyder, antiviral treatment is especially crucial for individuals who are at a higher risk of experiencing a severe infection. This group includes older adults and those with pre-existing health issues.

Snyder emphasized, "To ensure the antiviral treatment is effective, it must be administered early in the progression of the illness. Delaying treatment reduces the chances of success." This highlights the importance of quickly determining if you have COVID.

According to Snyder, not everyone will exhibit all the symptoms listed above. You might experience just one or a handful of them. He noted, “These are all common symptoms associated with COVID-19.” Some individuals may show no symptoms from their infection, while others might become ill enough to require hospitalization. This variability is yet another reason why getting tested is crucial.

To maintain your health, make sure to get the latest COVID vaccine if you haven't done so already.

“We have a 2024-2025 seasonal COVID vaccine and it’s recommended for everybody six months of age and older,” Snyder said.

The newest vaccine can lower your risk of contracting the virus, and if you do fall ill, it may help avert complications that could result in hospitalization or even fatality.

Snyder stated, "The primary reason for getting vaccinated is to protect your health. Even if you do contract COVID after being vaccinated, it's highly likely that your symptoms will be milder than they would have been without the vaccine, as it primes your immune system to react effectively."

Research shows that the vaccine also reduces your risk of developing long COVID. The shots are available at pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens. You can also go to vaccines.gov to see where you can get vaccinated locally.

In addition to vaccination, Nwaukoni emphasized the significance of hand-washing. He also pointed out that wearing a mask in public spaces can provide protection against illnesses, including COVID-19 and other winter-related viruses.