COVID-19 is surging right now, and to put it bluntly, it still really sucks. Many symptoms will make it almost impossible to fully enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, so you’ll need to pay close attention to them to stay safe!
People who are pregnant, over the age of 60, or with weakened immune systems or who have pre-existing health conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be at particularly high risk of complications from the coronavirus. Even if you don’t care about getting sick, I hope you are at least considerate of others. (Seriously, no one wants to deal with your coughing all over the turkey.)
It’s a wise decision to mask up in crowded places, and if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, getting tested and isolating if positive is crucial to stopping the spread. Getting a COVID vaccine or booster as soon as possible can reduce the risk of both getting severe COVID-19 and getting long COVID if you get infected, so you’ll also need to be brave and tough out the vaccine.
Here are the most common COVID symptoms that infectious disease experts, epidemiologists and experts advise to watch out for in November 2026.
Related: This common cold treatment mistake could make you sicker, ENT specialists warn
What are the current symptoms of COVID?
We will see the same situation with COVID-19 symptoms in November 2026.
Dr. Ernesto Sanz, MD, MBA, FAAFP, FAAUCMmedical director of Baptist Health Urgent Care, part of Baptist Health South Florida, says Parade“The most common symptoms include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, headache and body aches. Some patients also experience fever, chills or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Loss of taste or smell may still occur, but this is not necessary for a COVID diagnosis.”
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How these symptoms differ from a cold or flu
“It can be difficult to distinguish between COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold based on symptoms alone. All three illnesses are respiratory illnesses and can cause overlapping symptoms,” Dr. Cristina Baker, MD, MPHhead of medical and scientific affairs, infectious diseases and rapid diagnostics at Abbott Laboratories, says. “One difference is timing: Flu symptoms often appear suddenly, while COVID-19 symptoms may develop more gradually after exposure. However, symptom severity and timing are not always reliable clues. When COVID, flu, and colds are all circulating, symptoms can’t tell you much. Testing is often the only way to know for sure what’s causing the illness.”
Dr. Wesley Long, MD, Ph.D.infectious disease physician and head of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist, agrees, saying, “Symptoms can be very similar to a cold or flu. The only reliable way to know what you have is to do an at-home antigen test or talk to your doctor about getting a test. This can be helpful because different medications can treat COVID and the flu.”
Related: Doctors are begging you to get your flu shot on this date
New or unusual symptoms to watch for
The only good news about the current wave of COVID-19? This is a lot like the previous ones, so at least we’ll know what kind of misery to expect if we get infected.
Dr. Robert Biernbaum, DOboard-certified emergency physician and chief medical officer of WellNow Urgent Care, says Parade“We don’t test for specific strains clinically, but there are typically multiple strains of COVID circulating at any given time with a similar list of associated symptoms. Cough, fever, and sore throat are typically the most common symptoms we see, but COVID-19 symptoms can also include congestion, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.”
Related: Infectious disease expert says there’s one thing to know before taking newly approved COVID-19 pill
How long do symptoms usually last?
The duration of COVID symptoms varies from person to person and from infection to infection, doctors say.
“Most people will feel better within a few weeks, but it may take longer in some cases, particularly if the illness is severe or if a person has what is called long COVID. » Dr. Neil Vora, MDdoctor, executive director of pandemic prevention at the Source Coalition and orchestrator in residence at Integral and former CDC epidemiologist, tells us.
Related: There is a drug that could help prevent long COVID
When should you get tested
Ideally, if you have symptoms of COVID, you should get tested as soon as possible so that you can get the appropriate treatment if necessary. There is no reason for you to suffer any longer than necessary!
“If you develop respiratory symptoms, especially after known exposure, it is reasonable to get tested for COVID immediately” Dr. Andrea Giamalva, MD, FAAFPchief medical officer at Experity, advises. “Remember that a negative result early in the illness does not necessarily rule out infection. If symptoms persist, consider retesting 48 hours later.”
Dr. Giamalva notes, “Testing is especially important for older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised, because early diagnosis can help guide treatment decisions. Testing positive for COVID then allows treatment with an antiviral medication. This can decrease the duration of symptoms and the severity of symptoms overall.”
Related: #1 Unexpected Side Effects Doctors Now Notice in Long COVID Patients
When to see a doctor
“Difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain or pressure should be a clear indicator that you need to seek medical attention. » Dr. Tyler Smith, MS, Ph.D.epidemiologist statistician and professor at the National University, advises. “Additionally, unusual behaviors such as significant confusion and physical signs such as skin, nails or lips appearing blue or pale indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood or circulation.”
Dr. Smith adds: “It is important to note that vaccines remain the most effective way to combat serious illness. If you are around someone who is 65 or older, pregnant, or has health conditions that may include a compromised or managed immune system, you should strongly consider protecting yourself, even if you don’t feel the need.”
He points out that while vaccines carry risks, “as a published epidemiologist in the field of vaccines, I think the positives far outweigh the negatives. I advise my family members to get the COVID-19 vaccine in mid to late September, wait 30 days, and get the flu shot in late October,” says Dr. Smith. “This allows flu vaccine protection to begin just before the holidays and maintain its effectiveness during traditional periods of high transmission.”
Following :
Related: That Cough has been hanging around for weeks – here’s the time doctors want to hear about it
Sources
Cristina Baker, MD, MPH, Medical and Scientific Affairs Manager, Infectious Diseases, Rapid Diagnostics at Abbott Laboratories
Robert Biernbaum, DO, board-certified emergency physician and chief medical officer of WellNow Urgent Care
Neil Vora, MD, MD, executive director of pandemic prevention at the Source Coalition and orchestrator in residence at Integral and former CDC epidemiologist
This story was originally published by Parade on November 3, 2026, where he first appeared in the Health and wellness section. Add a parade as Favorite source by clicking here.
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