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COVID Symptoms to Know This Fall: Important Warning Signs and Protection Tips

Digilifetrends Published 3 min read
COVID Symptoms to Know This Fall: Important Warning Signs and Protection Tips
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COVID-19 continues to spread, and the symptoms can make it hard to get through the holiday season feeling well. Paying attention to early warning signs can help reduce the risk of passing it along to others.

People who are pregnant, over 60, immunocompromised, or living with conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may face a higher risk of complications. Even if you are not worried about becoming ill yourself, protecting others is still important.

Wearing a mask in crowded settings is a sensible precaution. If you have been exposed, testing and staying home if you are positive remain key steps in limiting spread. Getting vaccinated or receiving a booster can also lower the chances of severe illness and long COVID if infection does occur.

Here are the most common COVID symptoms experts recommend watching for during the current season.

What Are the Current COVID Symptoms?

The symptom pattern remains much the same, with COVID-19 continuing to cause familiar signs and discomfort.

How These Symptoms Differ From a Cold or Flu

New or Unusual Symptoms to Watch For

The encouraging part is that the latest wave still resembles earlier ones, so the range of symptoms is largely recognizable.

How Long Symptoms Typically Last

How long symptoms last can vary widely from one person to another and from one infection to the next, according to doctors.

When You Should Get Tested

If you develop any COVID symptoms, experts say you should get tested as soon as possible so treatment can begin when needed.

Dr. Giamalva says testing is especially important for older adults, people with underlying health conditions and those who are immunocompromised, because early diagnosis can help guide treatment choices. A positive result may also allow treatment with antiviral medication, which can shorten symptoms and reduce their overall severity.

When to See a Doctor

Dr. Smith says vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness. He adds that if you are around someone who is 65 or older, pregnant, or has conditions that may affect the immune system, getting protected can benefit them even if you do not feel you need it for yourself.

He also notes that although vaccines carry some risks, the benefits outweigh them. He says he advises family members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in early fall and the flu vaccine several weeks later so protection is in place before the holiday period and stays effective through the usual high-transmission season.

Sources

  • Cristina Baker, MD, MPH, head of medical and scientific affairs, infectious disease, rapid diagnostics at Abbott Laboratories

  • Robert Biernbaum, DO, board-certified emergency medicine physician and chief medical officer for WellNow Urgent Care

  • Andrea Giamalva, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at Experity

  • S. Wesley Long, MD, Ph.D., infectious disease doctor and head of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist

  • Ernesto Sanz, MD, MBA, FAAFP, FAAUCM, medical director at Baptist Health Urgent Care, part of Baptist Health South Florida

  • Tyler Smith, MS, Ph.D., statistical epidemiologist and professor at National University

  • Neil Vora, MD, physician, executive director of Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition and orchestrator in residence at Integral and former CDC epidemiologist

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