As of 2024, the COVID-19 symptoms have evolved somewhat but remain generally familiar to those seen in previous years. The typical symptoms that individuals may experience include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
In addition, some symptoms that were more prominently associated with earlier stages of the pandemic, such as the loss of taste or smell, are now less common with the emergence of new variants like JN.1.
Emergency warning signs that require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone.
The JN.1 variant, a descendant of earlier omicron variants, has become the dominant strain. It spreads quickly and is highly mutated, which may enhance its transmissibility. Symptoms associated with JN.1 are generally similar to those of a common cold or flu, such as sore throats, headaches, and fatigue, and do not typically lead to severe illness.
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself from severe outcomes, it remains essential to follow preventive measures such as vaccination, mask-wearing in crowded settings, and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest variants and their characteristics can help in managing and preventing the spread of the virus effectively.