What does it mean to have COVID-19 in 2024? What to know amid increase in cases (2024)

COVID-19 is once again making its rounds through the United States, but what does it mean to have COVID in 2024?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, COVID is still something to be cautious of since the disease has numerous symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses. It's important to test and be watchful at the sign of any symptoms.

With the increase in cases in Tennessee and across the country, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines.

Here is what to know about COVID-19 in 2024.

What are the current COVID symptoms?

According to the CDC, there are many symptoms that can come from COVID-19. The organization also says that new variants and vaccination status can affect symptoms.

These are some of the symptoms recorded by the CDC:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Do I quarantine for COVID in 2024? For how long?

It's still recommended to stay home when sick with COVID, but there is no official timeline for how long. The CDC recommends using caution up to five days after you begin feeling better. It is suggested to wait up to 24 hours after symptoms subsided and a fever is gone before resuming normal activities.

Even if there are no more symptoms, it's still possible for the virus to spread. Health officials recommend wearing a mask for up to five days after feeling better.

When to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in 2024?

Walgreens and CVS previously told USA TODAY shipments of the vaccines could arrive a few days after FDA approval. FDA approval happened on Thursday, Aug. 22.

Appointments can be scheduled now at Walgreens, and people can receive vaccinations starting nationwide on Sept. 6. Appointments can be scheduled by visitingWalgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, using the Walgreens app or calling 1-800-WALGREENS

Has Tennessee seen a rise in COVID cases?

The KP.3.1.1 variant is the most prevalent in Tennessee and the United States. In Region 4, which includes Tennessee, the variant accounted for 31% to 42% of COVID-19 clinical specimens.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health,there were 545 new COVID-19 cases in Davidson County for the week of Aug. 18. In the same time period, Shelby County saw 745 new COVID-19 cases, and Knox County saw 381 new cases.

Can you live with someone and not get COVID?

While it is possible for people living in the same house to not catch COVID from one another, it is most commonly spread between household residents. Whether a spouse, a child or a roommate, it is more likely that the virus will be spread in a household than otherwise.

What to do immediately after testing positive for COVID?

After testing positive for COVID, it is important to stay away from those who are unaffected. It's recommended to stay home, stay away from others, wear a mask, wash your hands and let close contacts know you have the virus.

The American Lung Association recommends taking these steps to ensure a safe COVID infection:

• Contact your healthcare provider. It is possible that you may require additional treatment as a result of pre-existing conditions or severe symptoms. Doctors will likely prescribe Paxlovid to help treat the illness.
• Take it easy. Rest, hydrate and take over-the-counter medications as needed to help manage symptoms.
• Monitor your symptoms. Make sure to report worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. If symptoms progress to severe illness, call 911 and notify the responder you have COVID-19.

What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

While both are respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 while flu is caused by an influenza virus.

As the two have such similar symptoms, it is hard to tell which one a person has without testing.

What is long COVID?

According to the CDC, long COVID is a wide range of ongoing symptoms and conditions that can last weeks, months or even years after COVID-19 illness. Anyone who has had the SARS-CoV-2 infection can suffer from long COVID.

What are long COVID symptoms in 2024?

Over 200 long COVID symptoms have been identified according to the CDC. It is possible for symptoms to require comprehensive care or result in disability.

General long COVID symptoms

• Fatigue or tiredness that interferes with daily life
• Fever
• Symptoms that get worse after mental or physical effort

Respiratory and heart long COVID symptoms

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological long COVID symptoms

• Anxiety or depression
• Change in smell or taste
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking (sometimes referred to as "brain fog")
• Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
• Headaches
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Sleep problems

Digestive long COVID symptoms

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Other long COVID symptoms

• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Joint or muscle pain
• Rash

USA TODAY contributed to this report.