Doctor warns Covid XEC symptoms could show up in specific order

The new XEC Covid-19 variant is spreading across Ireland, with a study now revealing the exact order in which symptoms of the virus typically arise and doctors have issued a warning over symptoms to look out for in the triple threat of Covid, flu and RSV

People are being urged to stay vigilant as the new XEC variant of Covid-19 increases.

Symptoms can be confusingly similar to the flu and RSV. A study from the University of Southern California has established the exact order in which symptoms typically occur for Covid-19, offering a potential lifeline in distinguishing it from other winter viruses.

The order of symptoms was highlighted, with advice from Healthline experts recommending testing and isolation for people who notice this specific progression.

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Dr. Robert Glatter differentiated between the flu and Covid-19: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."

Monitoring symptom sequence could guide healthcare providers, suggested Joseph Larsen, USC Dornsife doctoral candidate: "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 Covid strain is making headlines as it bears a close resemblance to previous variants, being a mix of omicron subvariants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine at the University of California, has pointed out: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron.", reports Surrey Live.

She also warned that certain groups, including those who are immunocompromised, older, or not immune, might experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, potentially leading to conditions like pneumonia.

The HSE lists the following as symptoms of Covid-19 that people should know.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus) are:

• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)- including having chills
• dry cough
• fatigue (tiredness)

COVID-19 symptoms can be like symptoms of cold, flu or hay fever.

You may not have all of the symptoms or your symptoms may be mild.

Less common symptoms

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste– this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal
• nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
• conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye)
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
• different types of skin rash
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhoea
• chills or dizziness

Severe symptoms

Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 include:

• shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
• loss of appetite
• confusion
• pain or pressure in the chest
• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

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