As the seasons change, many individuals are beginning to display symptoms of a cold or flu. However, there are specific indicators that may suggest you are dealing with the new Covid variant instead.
Health experts are cautioning about the possibility of a “tripledemic,” where three different viruses circulate simultaneously. They are urging people to get vaccinated as cases are on the rise heading into the colder months.
Recent data from the UK has shown a notable increase in confirmed Covid cases, with a surge from 7.6% to 8.4% in just a week.
The new Covid strain, named Stratus, is spreading rapidly and comprises two variants: XFG and XFG.3. The XFG.3 variant accounted for approximately 40% of Covid cases in the UK as of June, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Although Covid symptoms often mimic those of common respiratory illnesses like the flu, such as fever, cough, sneezing, or a runny nose, there are distinctive signs of the new Stratus strain. A hoarse or raspy voice is a primary indicator of this variant, along with symptoms like blocked noses, sore throats, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Flu cases have seen a slight uptick from 1.1% to 1.3%, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, is also projected to increase. RSV symptoms can be mild but may progress to more severe conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, as explained by the NHS.
To differentiate between Covid, flu, and RSV, individuals should be vigilant for four key symptoms. Health experts are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to combat the spread of these viruses, particularly as the winter months approach.
Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal from the UKHSA highlighted the significance of vaccination in protecting against flu, Covid-19, and RSV, urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly.
If unsure whether the symptoms indicate flu, a cold, or the new Covid variant, individuals should pay close attention to the specific signs. Notably, symptoms can vary from person to person.
The NHS recommends monitoring specific symptoms as potential indicators of Covid, flu, or RSV infections. These symptoms can manifest rapidly and may include various respiratory and general discomfort signs.
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