India is witnessing a gradual rise in COVID-19 cases, and health experts have observed a shift in the pattern of symptoms associated with the virus. While the overall severity of cases remains low, the presentation of symptoms has evolved with emerging variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7.

Doctors across the country are reporting that newer cases are showing more flu-like signs rather than the typical symptoms seen during earlier waves of the pandemic. One of the most noticeable additions to the symptom list is hoarseness or a hoarse voice, which has become increasingly common in recent weeks.

Alongside this, patients are frequently reporting

Dry cough

Sore throat

Mild fever or chills

Runny nose or nasal congestion

Headache

Fatigue

Occasional diarrhea

Interestingly, hallmark COVID-19 symptoms like loss of taste and smell, which were prominent in earlier waves, are now rarely observed. Severe respiratory symptoms have also become less frequent, suggesting a milder course of illness for most infected individuals.

Health authorities in Delhi and Telangana have noted that the symptoms closely resemble those of seasonal viral fever. Delhi’s Health Minister stated that most new COVID-19 patients are experiencing mild fever, cough, and cold, leading many to confuse the infection with the common flu.