More than five years after COVID-19 first emerged, we’re all in a much better position to protect ourselves from illness, hospitalization and death.
In 2022, a variant of COVID, called Omicron, emerged. Omicron’s signature was its ability to evade immunity from past infection and vaccination. This led to a surge of new COVID infections in January 2022.
Since 2022 there have been periodic spikes in COVID due to new Omicron variants, including the XFG (stratus) variant that’s circulating in the fall of 2025.
Severe infection with respiratory failure and death is uncommon in the current era, predominantly due to the immunity that’s built up from past infections and vaccinations. However, those with compromised immune symptoms, the elderly, and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for severe infection.
How much should we worry about COVID infections? Is it worth getting vaccinated again?
“COVID can still make you sick with fever and cold symptoms even if it is not considered ‘severe,’” said Jonathan Pinsky, MD, an infectious disease physician with Endeavor Health. “Most adults and older children have immune memory from past infections and vaccinations, preventing severe complications such as pneumonia and inability to maintain blood oxygen levels.”
That protection will wane with time, the longer it's been since you were infected or vaccinated, and as the virus changes, Dr. Pinsky said. But each year, the updated COVID vaccine matches the most recently circulating variants.
“Getting an updated COVID vaccine every fall boosts protection and diminishes the chances of getting sick from COVID during the winter months,” he said.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of COVID are like other respiratory viruses, such as influenza, and RSV:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
How would you know if you have COVID-19?
Most people with cold and flu symptoms don’t need to get tested for COVID, influenza, RSV or other viruses. For people who have risk factors for severe illness, a test for influenza and COVID may help to determine if you are a candidate for a prescription antiviral for COVID or influenza.
It’s always a good idea to contact your health care provider whenever you are sick and stay away from others until symptoms are improving and you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. You can also wear a mask when you return to work for 5 more days to protect others.
Who is eligible to get the updated 2025 COVID vaccine?
The Illinois Dept of Public health guidance on who should get the vaccine aligns with updated recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The 2025 updated COVID vaccine is recommended for:
- All adults age 18 and older
- Pregnant women
- Children ages 6-23 months
- Children ages 2-17 with one risk factor for severe disease, or who have not been vaccinated or whose parents request it
Immune compromised individuals as well as those age 65 or older are considered high-risk groups who would benefit most from the vaccine’s protection.
How can you protect yourself from infection?
“Getting vaccinated each year for COVID and Influenza is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness,” Dr. Pinsky said. “It’s a good idea to wash your hands after contact with other people or high touch surfaces, and to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, nose and mouth.”
Take time to regularly clean surfaces in high-traffic areas of your home.
Talk to your primary care physician if you have questions about COVID or vaccines. Seek medical treatment if you have a respiratory infection that persists for longer than two weeks or worsens over time.
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