In 2025, COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions. While most people now experience only mild symptoms—like fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose—hospitalisations and deaths still occur, particularly among disadvantaged groups. Anosmia (loss of smell), once more common with earlier variants, is reappearing with newer strains like JN.1. Despite lower testing rates, Australia has reported tens of thousands of cases this year, and experts emphasize the importance of testing and vigilance, especially as respiratory infections tend to rise in winter.
A/Prof Meru Sheel explains in a Conversation Article on what COVID-19 looks like in 2025. Read more about it here.
