Doctors have identified the exact order of Covid XEC symptoms, providing crucial information to aid in rapid diagnosis in the midst of rising concerns over the XEC variant in the UK. As winter settles in, health experts are warning of a ‘triple threat’ with the surge of the new Covid strain, low flu vaccine uptake, and a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. These three viral ailments share similar initial symptoms, potentially leading to confusion among patients.
A recent study conducted at the University of Southern California has established the typical sequence in which Covid-19 symptoms manifest, offering key insights for distinguishing it from other illnesses. Recognising the progression of symptoms could facilitate early identification, prompting the need for Covid-19 testing and isolation. Dr Robert Glatter emphasised the difference in symptom development between Covid-19 and seasonal flu, noting that a cough often precedes fever in flu cases.
Joseph Larsen, the lead author of the study, highlighted the significance of understanding how each illness evolves to enable healthcare professionals to differentiate between Covid-19 and other conditions promptly, thereby guiding appropriate treatment decisions. The XEC Covid variant, a blend of omicron subvariants, exhibits similarities to its predecessors, with reports indicating similar symptomatology.
Dr Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at the University of California, underlined that certain vulnerable groups, such as the immunocompromised or elderly, may experience more severe respiratory symptoms, potentially escalating to conditions like pneumonia. In England, Covid-19 hospital admissions have increased slightly, with figures from the UK Health Security Agency indicating a rising admission rate, albeit at relatively low levels compared to previous years.
The data revealed a fourth consecutive weekly rise in admission rates, but the current numbers remain lower than those recorded during previous winter surges. Despite the challenges posed by the XEC variant and concurrent viral threats, understanding the distinct progression of Covid-19 symptoms could prove instrumental in prioritising testing and treatment efforts, ultimately aiding in the management of the evolving public health situation.