Exact order of Covid XEC symptoms identified by doctors

Doctors are warning that the XEC Covid variant is expected to be the most dominant strain in the UK soon

Britons are being warned of a 'triple threat' as the cold weather grips the nation. The new XEC variant of Covid-19 is seeing increasing case numbers, coinciding with a low uptake of the flu vaccine and a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases.

These three viral threats might be easily confused due to their similar initial symptoms. However, a study from the University of Southern California has identified the specific sequence in which symptoms for Covid-19 typically develop, potentially aiding distinguishing between them.

Healthline experts have highlighted that experiencing symptoms in this particular sequence could signal the need for a Covid-19 test and isolation. Dr Robert Glatter told Healthline that unlike Covid-19, 'patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever'.

Furthermore, Joseph Larsen, USC Dornsife doctoral candidate and the study's lead author, said: "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, which is a combination of omicron subvariants, shares similarities with its predecessors. Dr Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at the University of California, added: "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 those who are immunocompromised, older, or not immune, might experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, potentially leading to conditions like pneumonia.

Despite a rise in Covid-19 hospital admissions in England, numbers remain relatively low. The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 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. Comparatively, last year's figures were higher at 6.2 per 100,000 before decreasing and then peaking again over Christmas at 5.2.

In the winter of 2020/21, rates reached as high as 36.5 per 100,000.