or both. This does not mean that COVID-19 has disappeared, but it has changed the overall risk for many people compared with the earliest stages of the pandemic. Common Symptoms of COVID-19 COVID-19 can affect people differently. Common symptoms may include: Fever or chills Cough Sore throat Runny or blocked nose Fatigue Headache Muscle or body aches Shortness of breath Loss or change of taste or smell Some people experience mild illness, while others can develop serious complications. Older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions may face a higher risk of severe disease. What We Have Learned About Vaccines One of the most important developments during the pandemic was the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines have provided protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death, although protection can change over time and differs between individuals and variants. Health authorities continue to update vaccination recommendations as evidence changes and as new variants emerge. Long COVID Remains an Important Concern Not everyone fully recovers immediately after an acute COVID-19
