There's no question, however, that we're continuing to evolve the way that COVID-19 does as we proceed into 2025. Vaccination campaigns worldwide and acquired immunity have greatly reduced the severity and mortality of the disease, but the virus is here to stay, albeit in “endemic” form. New mutations — such as those that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently added to its list of variants of interest, the Pi and Rho strains — are showing up with a slightly changed constellation of symptoms. These new symptoms should be known for prompt testing, treatment and the spread among other people.
Why COVID Symptoms Keep Changing
The virus that causes Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, changes over time. New variants frequently come with subtle shifts in how the virus behaves — how easily it spreads, how it evades our immune defenses, and yes, how it makes us feel.
The Most Common COVID Symptoms in 2025
The symptoms have evolved over time. The original variant of the virus that emerged in 2020 was marked by fever, dry cough and loosing taste or smell. The Delta and Omicron waves featured more fatigue, sore throat and congestion, respectively. Starting to tilt once again in 2025 is the unfolding of the most common symptoms.
Doctors around the world are kept abreast of new symptom patterns. People with COVID-19 show a wide range of symptoms, but, based on both new studies and the clinical experience in 2025, here are the most common symptoms of COVID in 2025:
1. Persistent Sinus Pressure
Instead of the familiar runny nose or congestion, lots of people are experiencing severe sinus pressure — it can even be confused for a sinus infection or allergies. This has become one of the early symptoms of infection.
2. Tingling Throat
There have been reports of an unusual “buzzing” or tingling in the throat, which sometimes precedes more obvious symptoms such as a sore throat, cough or fever. It’s subtle, but it’s happening more and more in the Pi variant.
3. Lower Back Pain
While previous types also ached all over, the 2025 variety apparently causes more localized pain, particularly in the low back. This is often a manifestation in younger adults.
4. Shortness of Breath with Mild Activity
While severe respiratory symptoms are rarer among the vaccinated, even mild infections are now causing fatigue and breathlessness after little exertion — such as climbing stairs or walking fast.
5. Vertigo and Dizziness
Some patients present nausea, dizziness or vertigo in the first days of infection. This could be due to inflammation or to the immune response, but it’s a new development that doctors are paying attention to.
6. Sleep Disturbances
COVID insomnia or restless sleep is increasingly being reported. Dreams—often vivid, says Pagel—or the frustration of being unable to sleep or fall asleep during an illness.
Less Common, But Still Notable Symptoms
Gastrointestinal problems: Diarrhea and nausea continue to be reported in some cases, but are less common than in 2021-22.
Inflammatory skin rashes : "COVID toe" and other inflammatory conditions appear in rare cases.
Strained eyes: Red or feel gritty eyes have been reported possibly associated to viral conjunctivitis.
What’s Disappearing?
And, interestingly, the signature loss of taste and smell, once such a strong marker of COVID-19 infection, may be less common with newer variants. It hasn’t completely disappeared, but its lack of presence shouldn’t be used as a sole reason to rule out the virus.
Why Awareness Matters Now
Many people may ignore early signs of COVID-19, since the symptoms may be consistent with allergies, a cold, or tiredness. That’s dangerous — not just for ourselves, but for those around us who may be more susceptible to becoming very sick.
Some people whose symptoms are milder can still transmit the virus. Signs are spotted early if that means:
Testing sooner
Isolating responsibly
Looking for help
Taking care of the most vulnerable
What to Do if You Notice Symptoms
If you believe you have COVID-19 given the symptoms above:
Take a rapid test. Many pharmacies sell updated at-home test kits that are able to detect the latest variants.
Wear a mask if you have to leave home before securing a diagnosis.
Monitor your symptoms. Consult your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain or symptoms that last more than a few days.
Stay hydrated and rest. The majority of mild cases will clear up with supportive care in a week.
Tell close contacts to watch for symptoms, too.
And for as long as COVID keeps evolving, our best defense is still prevention:
Stay updated on vaccinations. Reinforced booster shots matching new variants are widely available.
Try to wash your hands as often as possible and for at least 20 seconds each time.
Ventilate interiors or deploy air purifiers wherever possible.
Stay home if you feel sick. Even if it’s “just a cold,” it doesn’t hurt to be careful.
Looking Ahead: Prevention Remains Key
COVID-19 is not disappearing — it’s mutating. But the more we now know — and the further we come in testing and medical research — the better we are at managing it. Knowing the new symptoms of characteristic pain in 2025 can help you take care of yourself and others. Pay attention; be healthy; be kind.
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