Covid XEC warning as doctors say new variant shows symptoms in specific order
A new study has identified the key order of Covid-19 symptoms, which is crucial in distinguishing it from the flu and other respiratory illnesses
Experts are warning that the new XEC Covid variant has symptoms that reveal themselves in a specific order. The strain is tipped to become dominant and triggers symptoms similar to flu and RSV, with some crucial differences.
Amid dwindling flu jab uptakes and mounting worries over respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the new Covid threat is complicating diagnoses.
However, the University of Southern California might just have thrown out a lifeline with their latest findings on how Covid-19 symptoms typically show themselves – offering a vital clue to telling the illnesses apart as the chill sets in.
The researchers have explained the order of symptoms to watch for:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain, or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Now Healthline's specialists are encouraging testing and isolation if symptoms arise. In addition, Dr Robert Glatter stressed a key difference between Covid and flu, telling the outlet: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."
Tracking your place in the order list of XEC symptoms could make a big difference, as it may assist healthcare professionals in treating you effectively. Joseph Larsen, lead study author, said: "Knowing that each illness progresses differently means that doctors can identify sooner whether someone likely has COVID-19, or another illness, which can help them make better treatment decisions."
The latest Covid strain, the XEC variant, shares many characteristics with its predecessors, given that it's a mix of omicron offshoots.
However, Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor at the University of California, noted: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."
She drew attention to the fact that immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, or those not previously exposed to the virus might experience an additional symptom – more severe respiratory issues like pneumonia.
