How long does Covid last? Here’s how the virus has evolved in 2024

Not long ago, we were all masters of Covid math. When the pandemic started in 2020, the number that stuck with us was 14: If we (or any close contact) got a positive COVID-19 test result, we were supposed to avoid public places for two full weeks. As the virus evolved, so did quarantine advice: we started setting our mental clock for 10 days of isolation instead. Ultimately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised this recommendation to five days of quarantine (for anyone who has received a COVID-19 vaccine), plus an additional five days of mask-wearing.

However, fast forward to late 2024, and our coronavirus calculations are getting a bit rusty. Yes, truly rusty. How long are we supposed to stay in quarantine if we get a positive COVID-19 test result? Do we still need to quarantine if we only have mild symptoms like a sore throat and runny nose? How long does Covid last? Are new variants still emerging? We couldn’t answer all of these questions, so we decided to check out our coronavirus news and tips — just in time for cold and flu season (when coronavirus infections typically peak). Here are the key things you need to know about coronavirus moving into 2025.

There’s a new species in town.

Santa Claus is not the only seasonal visitor who comes to town. There’s a new type of SARS-CoV-2 virus that looks set to enter many of our homes by Christmas time. Technically, it is a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage (yes, Omicron is still with us). It’s called XEC, which is not very attractive, but still very easy to spot, as far as coronavirus variants are concerned. It was first detected in Germany in June and then moved quickly across Europe before spreading around the world and reaching the United States, where it will likely become the dominant variant this winter season (as of November, it was already responsible for an estimated 38 percent of the United States). Covid cases, according to CDC estimates).

You probably won’t lose your ability to taste or smell.

The very good news: So far, there is no evidence that the XEC variant is any more likely to cause serious disease than other recent subvariants. The XEC variant also does not appear to cause more serious symptoms. Many people will continue to experience the mild symptoms we have come to expect over the past couple of years, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fatigue, fever, body aches, and sore throat. But some COVID-19 symptoms that were common toward the beginning of the pandemic, such as digestive problems, loss of taste, and loss of smell, are still present. Not common now. How long does Covid last?These days? If you have mild symptoms, you can expect to feel better within a week or two.

There is no automatic quarantine if you test positive.

In March, the C.D.C New federal guidelines Covers SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. They state that people with symptoms should stay home, but once a person is fever-free (without the use of medication) and without other symptoms for at least 24 hours, they do not need to quarantine. If you get a positive test for coronavirus (COVID-19) but don’t have symptoms, you must wear a mask and limit contact with others for five days — but you don’t need to fully quarantine. If symptoms eventually develop, stay home and reset the clock until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. It should be noted that some epidemiologists disagree with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to group COVID-19 in the same guidelines as other seasonal infectious diseases, because it is highly contagious and poses a greater risk of health complications, such as the risk of prolonged COVID. If your daily life puts you in contact with people who are elderly or immunocompromised, it’s obviously still smart to stay away for a week or so after you test positive, regardless of your symptoms.

Long coronavirus is less dangerous (but still possible).

Years ago, up to a third of people experienced long-term effects after contracting Covid-19, even if it was a mild case. Thanks to the control of milder strains, the widespread adoption of COVID-19 vaccines, and the success of antiviral treatments like baxlovid, your risk of getting the disease may increase. Long Covid In 2024-2025 it is not the same as it was in 2021, but it is still possible. The most common symptoms of long coronavirus include persistent fatigue, headache, brain fog, shortness of breath, mental health issues, sleep problems, blood clots, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Some people may develop it High blood pressure After infection with Covid-19. Both COVID-19 vaccination and treatment with paxlovid reduce your chance of getting long COVID. If you think you have had coronavirus for a long time, talk to your health care provider about treatments and strategies that can help you.

Updated vaccines have appeared recently.

As of last summer, there are new COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025, updated to protect against specific subvariants circulating this season. They include new versions of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines as well as the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older get one of these updated vaccines, to help prevent severe illness (Studies show The vast majority of people hospitalized due to the Coronavirus have not been vaccinated. You can get the coronavirus vaccine at the same time as you get the influenza and/or respiratory syncytial virus vaccine. If you are immunocompromised, your healthcare provider may suggest you get a second dose after six months. If you have recently had a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, the CDC recommends waiting three months to get an updated vaccine. As of November, only 19.7% of adults have received vaccines in 2024-2025, according to Center for Disease ControlWhich means the general population may not have immunity to the coronavirus as strong as in past seasons, when many people were at the top of their boosters.

Antiviral treatment is an option.

Gone are the days when there were no medications to treat viruses. It’s much like taking Tamiflu for the flu, or taking antivirals baxloved In the early stages of COVID-19 infection it can help reduce the duration and severity of your illness. Given as multiple doses of pills that you take at home, the medication blocks the synthesis of a protein necessary for the virus to reproduce. It is effective when taken within five days of the onset of symptoms. Your health care provider or pharmacist can approve this treatment. In order to qualify, you must be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or have a health condition associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. Risk factors include obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, a weak immune system, or a mental health disorder, as well as lifestyle factors such as where you work or live (for example, in an area where access to health care is difficult) .