COVID-19 Returns in 2025: Alarming Symptoms, Precautions and How to Protect Yourself

In 2019, COVID-19 aka Coronavirus unleased a global crisis that reshaped our world. Just as we thought and hoped the pandemic was behind us, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that COVID-19 returns in 2025 at an alarming rate.

WHO has reported a 11% test positive rate since July 2024. Along with a new variant known as NB.1.8.1.

As a health advocate, I am updating you all with information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention and precaution methods to take if diagnosed with Coronavirus.

COVID-19 Returns Globally in 2025

The global COVID-19 cases are surging at alarming rates in the mid 2025, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting an 11% positive rate increase since July 2024. The following three regions have seen an increase in COVID cases.

• Eastern Mediterranean: Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia – 17%+ positive cases.
• South-East Asia: India, Thailand, and the Maldives – 5%+ positive cases.
• Western Pacific: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore – 11% positive cases .

In 2025 the cases rose mid February, making a dramatic jump from just 2% from 2024, with the emergence of new COVID variant NB.1.8.1.

NB.1.8.1: New Covid-19 Variant

Right now, NB.1.8.1 is designated as a “Variant Under Monitoring”, by WHO. It comprises 10.7% of the total global cases of coronavirus. Though considered highly contagious, it has shown no signs of increased severity.

How NB.1.8.1 Differs from Past Variants

A WHO spokesperson said: The new variant NB1.8.1, now carries six unique spike mutations (T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, T478I), which was absent in earlier strains like Delta and Omicron.

The new V445H mutations enhance ACE2 receptor binding and boosting transmissibility, while T4781 aids in immunity evasion.

Unlike the older variant DELTA, which causes severe lung damage. NB.1.8.1 triggers symptoms like flu (sore throat, fatigue) with nor severity or risk of hospitalization.

However, it spread 1.5x faster than all the older variants of Coronavirus.

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms in 2025

The core symptoms of coronavirus and new variant NB.1.8.1 remains consistent across all variants:

• Sore Throat (reported in 90% of early cases)
• Body Fatigue
• Congestion/Runny Nose
• Cough
• Low-grade Fever

The old notable symptoms like loss of taste/smell (anosmia), is now less common. Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea are still found in 20% of all the affected patients.

Immediate medical attention is required if a person shows signs of:

• Trouble in Breathing or Chest Pressure
• Confusion or Inability to stay awake
• Bluish lips/skin

Experts are saying that most cases will resolve themselves within 7-10 days. But people that got affected by coronavirus may experience fatigue for more than a week.

Covid-19 Preventive Measures

Based on WHO and CDC guidelines adapt these 5 Core COVID-19 Preventive Measures to protect yourself at all times:

1. Get Vaccinated & Boosted

Stay updated with COVID-19 vaccines, especially JN.1/KP.2-targeted boosters, which reduce severe disease risk by 45–70% for high-risk groups.

2. Always Wear a Face Mask outside your Home

Always carry and wear N95/KN95 masks in crowded indoor spaces (e.g., gyms, crowded places and public transport).

Important Note: Always cover your nose, mouth, and chin without gaps.

3. Have Proper Ventilation in Living Places

Have a proper working ventilation system in houses, gyms or offices. Poor ventilation increases the transmission risk by 50% in settings like restaurants or fitness classes.

4. Always Wash Your Hands

Adapt the habit of washing your hands with soap for 20–30 seconds after public exposure or touching unhygienic surfaces. Use alcohol-based sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) when soap is unavailable .

5. Avoid High-Risk Places

Avoid crowded and enclosed spaces such as Gyms, Pubs, Public toilets and other places with poor hygiene.

COVID-19 Precaution Measures: If Exposed or Sick

Here are 5 Core COVID-19 Precaution Measures to take if exposed to or diagnosed with coronavirus (based on 2025 CDC/WHO guidelines):  

1. Isolate Yourself Immediately

If you feel symptomatic or got tested positive: Immediately isolate yourself. Prevent going outside your house for a week. End self-isolation only when the covid-fever comes down itself within 24 hours without any medications.  

2. Mask for 5 Days Post-Isolation 

Always wear a high-quality mask (N95/KN95) around others and in public for 5 days after leaving isolation to prevent spread .  

3. Be Responsible and Alert Your Contacts

Notify anyone ASAP that you have met or contacted in person within 48 hours if your covid symptoms are positive and advise them to take precaution and COVID test themself.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms Closely

Check body temperature (with a thermometer) and oxygen (with pulse oximeter). Seek ER if oxygen level drops more than 90% or when feeling difficulty breathing.  

5. Take a Complete Bed Rest

If found COVID positive and the symptoms are showing, Avoid any form of physical activity and a complete bed rest until you feel well. Inform your friends or relatives about your condition and ask them to take care of you at this time.  

When and How to Check for COVID

When to get tested?

Immediately, if you experience symptoms of coronavirus which are – sore throat, fever, or fatigue.

COVID Testing Methods

The best way to get tested for covid is to visit a hospital. Nevertheless, There are various testing kits that are available in the market which you can buy, and test yourself if you are COVID positive or not.

Rapid Antigen Tests – COVID Test Kit

Rapid Antigen tests is a self testing tool that is available online as well as nearby medical shops. This testing kit provides you results with 15-30 minutes at home without prescription. And it is considered an ideal to use at early detection of covid symptoms. 

If the results came negative, but the COVID symptoms still persists, consider getting a PCR test, for late Coronavirus detection.

There are a variety of Self-Testing COVID kits available from various companies in the market. My suggestion is to only buy products that are approved by the FDA or your country’s government.

Your Final Learnings

The years 2019 – 2022 were some tough years for the global population, but still we fought hard. We recognised our responsibility, to follow protocols to keep yourself and others safe during the dangerous pandemic.

As the COVID-19 Returns in 2025, with a new variant NB.1.8.1, we all need to come together and remember our duties i.e. get mandate COVID vaccines, always maintain proper hygiene, wear masks at necessary places, avoid populated areas and spend time getting educated about the signs and symptoms of coronavirus and make health a top priority.

By doing so you could save the lives of others in need. And educate them as well.

I believe as one we will fight through this dangerous time.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only, based on the author’s knowledge at publication. Readers must verify facts independently. We endorse no products. For official protocols, consult government health websites regarding 2025 COVID-19 surges.