Doctor warns Covid XEC symptoms could show up in specific order

Cases of the new XEC variant of Covid-19 are on the rise in the UK, with the country also facing low flu vaccination rates and growing numbers of people with RSV

The emergence of the new XEC variant of Covid-19, along with a drop in flu vaccination rates and a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, is presenting a triple challenge to Brits amid the chilly weather spell. The similarities in early symptoms across these viral threats can cause confusion, but a study from the University of Southern California has now laid out the precise sequence of symptoms for Covid-19, providing a crucial tool for distinguishing it from other illnesses during winter.

According to the research, the order of symptoms to watch for is:

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

Healthline experts advise those showing these symptoms in such an order to promptly get tested for Covid-19 and to self-isolate as a precaution. Dr Robert Glatter, speaking to Healthline, offered insights on how seasonal flu symptoms typically present differently: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."

Understanding one's position in this symptom sequence can also be informative to healthcare providers, potentially aiding in accurate diagnoses and treatment choices. Joseph Larsen, lead author of the study and a 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."

The new XEC Covid strain, which is a combination of omicron subvariants, shares similarities with previous variants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of California, remarked: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron.".

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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 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, last year's figures were higher at 6.2 per 100,000 before decreasing and then peaking again over Christmas at 5.2.

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