Doctors warn 'XEC' Covid symptoms show up in specific order

It's expected to become the dominant strain in the UK

Health experts are raising the alarm about the new XEC variant of Covid-19 and have specified a particular sequence in which symptoms manifest. With winter on the horizon, Brits have been warned as cases of this emerging strain surge, coinciding with lower flu vaccination rates and growing instances of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Distinguishing between these conditions can be challenging due to similar initial symptoms, but research from the University of Southern California has identified the typical order of appearance for symptoms of Covid-19. Predictions suggest that the XEC variant will soon dominate in the UK, so this knowledge could be key for those trying to differentiate this new variant from other illnesses during the colder months.

The sequence of symptoms is noted to be:

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

Firstly, the XEC Covid-19 variant closely resembles former strains, especially as it derives from a mix of omicron subvariants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, said: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."

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Recent figures indicate that the spread of the XEC version of Covid is rising across the UK, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Hospital entries for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 rose to 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week concluding October 6, up from 3.7 the prior week, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The UK has seen the fourth consecutive weekly rise in Covid-19 cases, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, said: "Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks."

He also urged those eligible for vaccinations against the main winter illnesses – Covid-19, flu, and RSV – to get them soon.

Addressing the issue of new variants, Dr Bernal added: "We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where Covid cases are sequenced, around one in 10 are the 'XEC' lineage."

Joseph Larsen, lead study author and USC Dornsife doctoral candidate, added insight into the progression of illnesses: "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."