The order new XEC Covid symptoms will show as cases surge - and how they differ to flu

The new XEC Covid variant is spreading rapidly across the UK

Britons are bracing themselves against a 'triple-threat' as temperatures drop, with a concerning rise in cases of the new XEC Covid-19 variant. Coupled with this, a worrying dip in flu vaccinations and an upsurge in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections are placing additional pressures on health services.

On paper, all three might be mistaken for one another due to similar early symptoms. However, a revealing study by the University of Southern California has now identified a distinct sequence in which Covid-19 symptoms typically present.

This could be key in distinguishing this new variant from other respiratory ailments over the winter months. Experts at Healthline advise anyone who notices this particular progression to test for Covid-19 and isolate accordingly.

Dr Robert Glatter spoke to Healthline, noting that: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever." Tracking the symptom order can also aid doctors in providing timely diagnosis and treatment. Joseph Larsen, lead author of the study and doctoral candidate at USC Dornsife, stated: "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," reports Surrey Live.

The most recent Covid strain, XEC, shares a great deal of similarity with preceding variants because it comprises a mix of omicron subvariants. Dr. Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine at the University of California, said: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron." She pointed out that certain groups like those who are immunocompromised, older individuals, or those not immune to the virus may experience exacerbated symptoms.

Specifically, she cautioned that these individuals might see more severe lower respiratory tract issues, which can manifest as completely different conditions such as pneumonia. Covid-19 hospitalisations in England are on an uptick but are still relatively minimal. Figures from the week to October 6 show the admission rate for patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 increased to 4.5 per 100,000 people, up from 3.7 the preceding week.

This represents the fourth consecutive week of increases and is tracked by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Comparative figures from the previous year showed admissions at around 6.2 per 100,000 before subsiding in the following weeks. The peak over Christmas recorded was at a level of 5.2. Notably, during the initial winter of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020/21, rates escalated to as much as 36.5 per 100,000.