The symptoms between normal Covid and its new variant can be incredibly similar (Image: GETTY)

Exact order XEC Covid symptoms can show up - and when to worry about new strain

The University of Southern California has revealed the exact order in which Covid-19 symptoms arise, which could help people differentiate between the new XEC variant and other illnesses going around this winter.

by · Daily Record

Brits are bracing themselves for a triple health threat as the cold weather bites, with the emergence of the new XEC variant of Covid-19. This comes alongside low uptake in flu jabs and a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

While these illnesses may initially present with similar symptoms, a study from the University of Southern California has pinpointed the exact sequence in which Covid-19 symptoms typically occur, potentially aiding in distinguishing between the ailments.

Healthline experts have advised those who experience this specific symptom order to get tested for Covid-19 and to self-isolate, SurreyLive reports.

Order Covid XEC symptoms appear

The order of symptoms is as follows:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain, or headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
It is thought the XEC strain is highly transmissible (Image: Getty)

Dr Robert Glatter spoke to the publication, noting that: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."

Tracking the progression of symptoms can also be crucial for medical professionals in providing appropriate treatment. Joseph Larsen, USC Dornsife doctoral candidate and lead author of the study, 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 variant, while closely resembling its Omicron predecessors due to being a hybrid of omicron subvariants, may bring an additional concern for certain groups. Dr Monica Gandhi, an expert at the University of California, commented: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron."

She particularly pointed out that those who are immunocompromised, elderly or not previously exposed to the virus could experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, which might escalate to illnesses such as pneumonia.

Despite a clear uptick in Covid-19 hospital admissions across England, numbers remain relatively low. The latest data indicates an admission rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people for those testing positive for Covid-19 in the week ending October 6, a slight increase from the prior week's rate of 3.7.

Latest Covid-19 news

This marks the fourth consecutive weekly increase as reported by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, this is still below the admissions rate of 6.2 per 100,000 recorded one year ago, which subsequently saw a decrease in following weeks - barring a Christmas peak of 5.2.

Reflecting on the pandemic's progression, the first winter in 2020/21 witnessed rates rising to as high as 36.5 per 100,000.

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