Exact order Covid XEC symptoms show up could help you differentiate between illnesses
People are bracing against a triple-threat this winter, with a spike in cases of the new XEC variant, low flu vaccine uptake, and rising instances of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All three can present with similar symptoms initially, making them hard to distinguish.
However, recent research from the University of Southern California has shed light on the specific sequence of symptoms indicative of Covid-19, potentially aiding in distinguishing it from other illnesses. The study suggests a progression that health experts from Healthline advise could be crucial for early detection: those who experience these symptoms should get tested and self-isolate.
Dr Robert Glatter spoke about how typical flu patterns differ: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."
Read more: Women diagnosed with breast cancer after attending 'lifesaving' screening for first time
Read more: Pharmacist warns 'particularly nasty' virus is on its way
Additionally, tracking symptoms progression might assist healthcare professionals in treatment plans. Joseph Larsen, USC Dornsife doctoral candidate and lead author, emphasises the importance: "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 new XEC strain, which is a mix of Omicron subvariants, has been found to have similar symptoms to its predecessors. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, a professor at the University of California, pointed out: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."
She also warned that certain groups, such as those who are immunocompromised, older, or not immune, might experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, potentially leading to conditions like pneumonia.
Despite a rise in Covid-19 hospital admissions, numbers remain relatively low. The latest figures show an admission rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people for the week ending October 6, marking a slight increase from the previous week's 3.7.
This is the fourth consecutive weekly increase reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Comparatively, last year's figures were higher at 6.2 per 100,000 before decreasing and then peaking again over Christmas at 5.2.
During the first winter of the pandemic, rates reached up to 36.5 per 100,000.