The symptoms between normal Covid and its new variant can be incredibly similar (stock image)(Image: GETTY)

Covid XEC symptoms could show up in specific order, doctors warn

With XEC Covid variant expected to be the most dominant strain in the UK soon, doctors are urging Brits to become familiar with its symptoms

by · Irish Mirror

Irish people are facing a triple-threat in the cold weather as the new XEC variant is set to become the dominant strain of Covid-19 along with a likely rise in cases of flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as winter approaches.

All three of these illnesses may seem to have similar symptoms and early stages on paper. Now, a study from the University of Southern California has revealed the exact order in which Covid-19 symptoms arise.

And doctors say it could help people differentiate between this new variant and other sickly threats over winter. The order of symptoms is as follows:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain, or headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Experts at Healthline urged people experiencing this order of symptoms to get tested for Covid-19 and to self-isolate. Speaking to the outlet, Dr Robert Glatter explained how the flu will differ from the XEC variant: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever," he said.

READ MORE: New Covid-19 strain symptoms as highly contagious variant spreads

READ MORE: What it's really like to have Covid right now as 'distinctive' XEC variant symptoms spread

It may also be valuable to track where you are in the order list as this could help medical professionals treat you. Joseph Larsen, lead study author and USC Dornsife doctoral candidate, added: "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 otherwise very similar to previous variants, particularly because it is a combination of omicron subvariants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of California, noted: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."

She highlighted that people who are immunocompromised, older or not immune to the virus may add an extra symptom to their list. The expert warned that they may develop more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, which can include entirely different illnesses like pneumonia.

Boy suffering flu blowing his nose with a tissue (stock image)(Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT)

The most recent information from the Health Surveillance Protection Centre (HSPC) in Ireland suggests that cases of Covid-19 have declined and as of October 5, were at their lowest level in a 12-week period, with 407 weekly cases. Cases of influenza and RSV, meanwhile, were on the rise, but still relatively low with just 48 and 19 weekly cases respectively. The data can be viewed in full here and the next update is due later this week, October 16.

Autumn / Winter booster vaccines for Covid-19 are now available while the flu vaccine is also available from your GP or local pharmacy.

There is no specific medicine to treat RSV, but the HSE announced in August that a new immunisation programme to protect new born babies against RSV, which affects almost all children before they are two years old, is now available. Babies born between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025 will be offered a new monoclonal antibody immunisation, which is the best way to protect against RSV. More information is available here.

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