Data shows that the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are not as bad as they were at the beginning of the epidemic. A COVID-19 infection could look and feel like a cold or the flu. New coronaviruses are still evolving and spreading.
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, XBB. 1.5 is responsible for 40% of cases in the U.S. The variant is a descendant of the strain that took over in the spring. According to NBC News, experts are concerned that XBB. 1.5 and its relative XBB may be better at evading the protection against coronaviruses than the BQ strains.
More than 45% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are caused by BQ.1 and BQ. 1.1.
The BA.5 variant now only accounts for 3.8% of cases in the country.
The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be different than they have been in the past. What you need to know about how things have changed and how to stay safe is here.
The early days of the Pandemic had a short list of symptoms, including a loss of taste or smell. The range of potential COVID-19 symptoms has changed over the last few years according to the ZOE Health Study.
The ZOE Health Study's data shows the 10 most common symptoms of COVID-19.
The throat has been ripped open.
A nose that's runny.
There's a blocked nose.
sneezing.
A dry cough.
There is an ache in the head.
A cough with phlegm.
The voice is heavy.
Pain and muscle ache.
The smell is different.
The ZOE Health Study shared its users' most common symptoms. Over time, these have changed frequently. The company said that the top 10 symptoms are more stable.
According to a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, symptoms of COVID-19 have become less severe over time.
The virus doesn't affect the lungs as much as it used to because omicron subvariants tend to stay in the upper respiratory Tract.
It's possible that being up to date on vaccines and boosters will make COVID-19 symptoms less intense. Someone who is up to date with their vaccinations may have mild symptoms that they don't test for.
You shouldn't hesitate to take a home test because COVID-19 shares symptoms with a lot of other illnesses.
The president of the College of American Pathologists told TODAY.com that people need to understand that we are in flu season and that there is still evidence to be found. If you notice a cough, congestion, or sore throat, it's a good time to take a rapid test.
If you don't have any symptoms after five days, you should take a test, according to the CDC.
In the midst of the winter holiday season, you can use at- home rapid COVID-19 tests to make getting together with friends and family less risky for people with certain risk factors.
It's helpful for people in areas with a moderate or high level of community COVID-19 transmission.
The government will give four free at- home COVID-19 tests to U.S. households as of December 15th. It's time to stock up if you haven't already done so.
The CDC says that most people don't need special treatment for COVID-19.
When recovering at home, be sure to stay hydrated, get enough rest, and use over-the-counter medication to manage your symptoms.
Paxlovid is an at- home antiviral medication that can benefit some people. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions can benefit from these treatments.
If you develop more severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, you should seek emergency medical care, according to the CDC.
It's not too late to be up to date on your boosters. The updated omicron booster shots can help prevent hospitalization and death if you have protection from the COVID-19 vaccine.
The article was first published on TODAY.
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