These Are the 2 Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now

Woman taking a COVID test at home

Around this time four years ago, we started hearing about a "mysterious" new virus called COVID-19. The upper respiratory disease would change life as we knew it, becoming a global pandemic. While COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency, it also hasn't gone anywhere.

Currently, EG.5 and HV.1, two subvariants of the Omicron variant that emerged in late 2021, make up about half of all U.S. cases.

It's challenging to determine just how many people have COVID-19 right now, especially because home test results are rarely reported. However, the latest CDC data shows an uptick in positive cases. And that data is from early November—AKA before people gathered for Thanksgiving and returned to work and school.

Experts share that understanding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 remains essential.

"Knowing about COVID symptoms and patterns will allow for early detection, help manage cases early, prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations," says Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "It also plays a vital role in public health strategies and ongoing research efforts. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death."

However, the COVID-19 of 2023 isn't the same as the COVID-19 of 2019 and 2020—the variant that uprooted our lives. Doctors share that the disease has evolved and so has population immunity. However, healthcare providers have noticed a trend in COVID-19 symptoms. Below, doctors share with common COVID-19 symptom patterns look like right now and how to protect yourself and others.

Related: Is It a Bad Idea To Drink Coffee When You’re Sick? Immunologists Weigh In

The Most Common COVID Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing Right Now

According to doctors, it's a tie. "The most common COVID symptoms are currently sore throat and nasal congestion." Dr. Cutler says.

In fact, the biggest trend isn't so much that there is one telltale sign you have COVID-19 but rather a pattern of symptoms. "At present, COVID is presenting first with a sore throat, soon followed by nasal congestion, a runny nose and feeling run down with fatigue and muscle aches," says Dr. William Schaffner, MD, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Sound familiar?

"Sadly, COVID symptoms are beginning to resemble those of most of our other upper respiratory tract infections," says Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Memorial Hermann Hospital. "They almost all have congestion, cough and a sore throat. Spotting the differences between COVID and the common cold and influenza can be difficult without specific testing."

Adding to the confusion, Dr. Schaffner cautions that there is no one-size-fits-all for symptom progression—including which symptoms a person experiences or the timeline. However, he could provide some generalizations.

"The COVID virus has not read the book, so every case does not fit that exact pattern and all the symptoms can sometimes appear almost simultaneously," Dr. Schaffner says. "It usually takes about five days to a week for the symptoms to resolve, but a dry, hacking cough can persist for one to two weeks, sometimes longer."

How Does the Current COVID-19 Subvariant Differ From Previous Waves?

A 2022 U.K. study that gathered self-reported data on COVID-19 symptoms via smartphone apps indicated that a sore throat became a more prevalent sign when Omicron's dominance rose in 2021. Instances of loss of smell and hospital admissions declined.

"[The initial strain and Delta variant] produced more severe disease, sending many patients to the hospital," says Dr. Schaffner. "The current Omicron variants, although very contagious, seem to be producing milder illnesses—thank goodness."

People have also changed. Or, rather, their immune systems have. "Almost everyone has some degree of immunity either from having had the disease or because of vaccination," Dr. Yancey says.

Related: 4 Doctors Share the #1 Thing They Always Buy at CVS at the Start of Cold, Flu and COVID Season

How To Manage COVID-19 Symptoms

While COVID-19 cases are generally less severe these days, getting sick remains a not-very-fun event. There's no cure for COVID-19, but managing symptoms can help you feel better more quickly.

"Listen to your body. Do not overdo it when you have COVID," Dr. Schaffner says. "Mild activity, such as walking, is helpful. Try to be vertical as much as possible. Lying in bed weakens your muscles, which is not good for anyone—especially older people. Keep up your fluids as dehydration can lead to disability."

Dr. Cutler adds that a humidifier can ease congestion. Dr. Yancey suggests salt water gargles or eating a pickle for sore throats. "The brine in both cases will pull some of the fluid out of the inflamed tissues and make people feel better," Dr. Yancey says.

But, heads up: "The real treatment is just time," Dr. Yancey says.

Related: How Long Is COVID Contagious After You Test Positive? A Cleveland Clinic Doctor Explains

How To Keep Yourself and Others Safe From COVID-19

COVID has changed, but the same common-sense measures still hold. The first and most important one? Get vaccinated if you have not already.

"Vaccination is the best prevention we have currently for avoiding serious disease, hospitalization or death from COVID," Dr. Cutler says. "With a majority of people getting immunized, we can better protect our immunocompromised family and friends, as well as decrease the spread of the virus."

Dr. Cutler says that, if you must leave your home while sick, it's best to wear a mask. "Well-fitted N95 masks are good protection against acquiring all respiratory illnesses," Dr. Cutler says.

Dr. Yancey suggests wearing a mask in certain spaces whether or not you feel sick. "If you are going to be in crowded indoor environments this winter, it is worth it to wear a mask to protect yourself," Dr. Yancey says.

Dr. Cutler adds that personal hygiene, like hand washing, can also help prevent illnesses from spreading.

Finally, given the similarities between COVID-19 and other upper respiratory illnesses, it's best to confirm which one you have, if possible."If you think you have COVID, get tested. If positive, isolate yourself and contact your healthcare provider," Dr. Schaffner says. "It’s also vital to work with your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate treatment option and recovery plan."

Next up: Will We Need a COVID Booster Every Year? 

Sources

• Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.

• Dr. William Schaffner, MD, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

• Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious diseases specialist at Memorial Hermann Hospital