COVID-19. The virus has killed many people all around the world and is still today. Since 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases has increased rapidly. Scientists and researchers have changed the guidelines and symptoms multiple times.

As of the start of this year, over 774 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed and over seven million deaths have been reported globally. The number of new deaths did decrease by 26% with 8,700 new fatalities reported. 

Between December 11, 2023, and January 7, 2024, COVID-19 continued its global impact, with 106 countries reporting new cases and 51 countries reporting fatalities. During this period, there was a notable surge in hospitalizations, marking a significant 40% increase, with over 173,000 patients admitted. Additionally, admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) rose by 13%, totaling over 1,900 admissions. Experts suspect that this spike may be attributed to the holiday season, as gatherings of family and friends indoors became more prevalent.

Even though the number of COVID-19 cases has slightly increased, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering loosening its recommendations regarding how long people should isolate after testing positive for the coronavirus, another reflection of changing attitudes and norms as the pandemic recedes” (Mandavilli, NY Times). The CDC wants to make it the guidelines more flexible. This proposal is controversial though as doctors dislike it. They realize that “there’s still a lot of people getting COVID and dying from COVID in the U.S.” (Dr. Boghuma Titanji). 

The symptoms of COVID-19 have mostly stayed the same since 2022. The up-to-date symptoms of COVID-19 include:

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

Luckily, the number of cases and deaths of COVID-19 have decreased severely in the last few years. Scientists and researchers are still finding new ways to limit the virus’s effect on the body and kill it. Maybe 2025 will bring us fascinating discoveries and change our view on COVID-19.