Doctors reveal symptom order for Covid XEC as UK faces triple virus threat this winter

The new XEC variant of Covid-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the UK as more people are struck down with the common cold and a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, all while flu vaccination rates remain low

Brits are currently facing a triple threat from the cold weather as cases of the new XEC variant of Covid-19 see an uptick. This rise coincides with low uptake of flu vaccinations and an increase in individuals suffering from respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

While the symptoms of these viruses may initially appear similar, researchers at the University of Southern California have pinpointed the sequence in which Covid-19 symptoms typically emerge. Medical experts believe understanding this sequence could aid in distinguishing the new variant from other illnesses during winter.

Health advisors at Healthline advocate for those experiencing a specific symptom order to seek Covid-19 testing and self-isolate. Dr Robert Glatter highlighted how flu symptoms generally differ: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."

Additionally, Joseph Larsen, lead author of the USC study and doctoral candidate, remarked on the importance of symptom progression in medical evaluation: "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 bears similarities to previous variants, being a mix of omicron subvariants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, from the University of California, remarked: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron.", reports Surrey Live.

She also pointed out that certain groups, such as the immunocompromised, the elderly, or those not immune to the virus, might experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, potentially leading to conditions like pneumonia.

Covid-19 hospital admissions in England are on the rise, though they remain relatively low. The latest figures show an admission rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people for the week ending October 6, up from 3.7 the previous week.

This marks the fourth consecutive weekly increase, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Comparatively, a year ago, the admission rate was at 6.2 per 100,000, which then declined in the following weeks, reaching a peak of 5.2 over the Christmas period.

In contrast, during the first winter of the pandemic in 2020/21, rates soared to as high as 36.5 per 100,000.