Should I be worried about COVID-19?

Dear Reader, 

You might be happy to learn that as of 2025, the number of COVID-19 cases has been low in the United States (US) compared to the height of the pandemic. Additionally, the general severity of COVID-19 symptoms has also decreased. However, you may consider continuing to take preventative measures, especially if you’re at a higher risk of infection because you have a pre-existing health problem, you’re immunosuppressed, or you haven’t been vaccinated. Read on to learn more about what’s going on with COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and others from it. 

What is COVID-19? 

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It’s typically spread through close interpersonal contact. If you’re exposed to COVID-19, you may start experiencing symptoms after five to six days, with symptoms typically lasting anywhere from 1 and 14 days. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, and sore throat.  

Some other less common COVID-19 symptoms include: 

• muscle aches and heavy arms or legs
• severe fatigue or tiredness
• runny or blocked nose, or sneezing
• headache
• new and persistent cough
• tight chest or chest pain
• shortness of breath
• numbness or tingling
• appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
• loss or change of sense of taste or smell  

List adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) 

Who can become infected with COVID-19? 

While anyone can become infected by COVID-19 and develop symptoms, certain factors might make a person more likely to become sick, including:  

• Being over 60 years old.
• Having pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and chronic health problems.
• Having immunosuppressive conditions, including taking immunosuppressive medication, having HIV, cancer, dementia, and being pregnant.
• Not being vaccinated. 

What is long COVID-19? 

Although COVID-19 cases are declining, some individuals continue to experience post-COVID-19 conditions, also known as long COVID. The condition typically lasts for four to nine months but can continue for twelve months in some cases. Some common symptoms of long COVID-19 include: 

• fatigue
• aches and pains in muscles or joints
• feeling breathless
• headaches
• difficulty in thinking or concentrating
• alterations in taste 

List adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) 

In addition to general infection risk factors, individuals who have been infected multiple times, experienced severe illness, or have limited access to health care are more likely to develop long COVID-19. 

Is COVID-19 still considered a pandemic? 

As of May 2023, COVID-19 is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), and rates in the US have been low as of 2025. However, COVID-19 continues to affect people globally, and the WHO is still monitoring outbreaks worldwide.  

Additionally, the good news is COVID-19 has had less negative impact on human health compared to its initial outbreak in 2020. This is a result of people having developed higher population immunity because of infection, vaccination, or both. Because if it’s now commonplace in society, medical professionals have also become better at diagnosing and managing it, which may help patients have a speedier recovery.  

How does a mask protect you from COVID-19? 

Masks are an effective way to block COVID-19 particles in the air. They help prevent the spread of the virus from person to person, especially when someone coughs or sneezes. Masks work both ways: if you're sick, they reduce the particles you release into the air when you cough or sneeze; if others are sick, they help protect you from inhaling their particles. 

There are different types of masks, and their general effectiveness against COVID-19 varies. From higher to lower effectiveness, they’re ranked as follows: N95, KN95, surgical mask, and cloth mask. A snug fitting to your face is essential for the masks to be effective. There are certain things you can do to increase the protection of some mask options. For example, for surgical masks, you may choose ones that come with several layers of non-woven material and have a nose wire that improves its fit. 

What are some additional measures you can take against COVID-19? 

Getting vaccinated is an effective way to prevent you from getting COVID-19 or developing serious symptoms. The vaccines work by teaching your body to identify an infection and quickly fight against it. After your initial shot, there are two types of additional vaccines you can receive to boost protection. A booster helps maintain your immunity as the effects of the original shot wear off. A new vaccine is updated to better protect against the current version of the virus. This is similar to the flu shot that comes around every year, as it’s updated annually according to changes in the virus. 

There are also some daily habits that you can build to keep you and others safe. These include: 

• Avoiding crowds and maintaining a safe distance from others, even if they don't seem sick.
• Wearing a well-fitted mask if you're feeling unwell, have been exposed to someone who is sick, are at high risk, or are in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throwing away used tissues immediately and washing your hands afterward.
• Self-isolating if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 and remaining isolated until you’ve recovered. 

List adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) 

Consider checking out the WHO and other COVID-19 websites for additional information and to stay up to date on all the latest recommendations and guidance when it comes to COVID-19. 

Here’s to your health,