With the onset of the new season, many individuals are beginning to exhibit symptoms of a cold or flu. However, there are specific indications that could suggest an individual is affected by the new Covid variant instead.
Experts in the healthcare field have raised an alert concerning the possibility of a “tripledemic,” where three distinct viruses circulate simultaneously. They are urging the population to seek vaccination as cases start to rise with the approach of the colder months.
In the United Kingdom, there has been a notable increase in confirmed Covid cases, with data showing a surge from 7.6 percent to 8.4 percent within a week.
The latest strain of Covid, named Stratus, is spreading rapidly and consists of two variants: XFG and XFG.3. The XFG.3 variant accounted for approximately 40 percent of Covid cases in the UK by June, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Although Covid symptoms often mimic those of common respiratory ailments like flu, such as fever, cough, sneezing, or a runny nose, they can vary in severity from person to person, making it easy to mistake Covid for a regular cold.
A distinctive early sign of the new Stratus strain is a hoarse or raspy voice. This symptom might indicate a Covid infection rather than flu or a cold. Additionally, medical professionals have observed other Stratus symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throat, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue.
According to Dr. Nye, individuals with this version of the virus tend to experience pronounced throat discomfort and hoarseness compared to the more general symptoms like cough, fever, and body aches.
Reports suggest a rise in flu cases from 1.1 percent to 1.3 percent, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of respiratory issues, is also expected to escalate. RSV symptoms can initially be mild but may progress to severe conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, as explained by the NHS.
Key symptoms to watch out for that could indicate Covid, flu, or RSV include:
With the prevalence of these three viruses, health experts are stressing the importance of vaccination. Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal from the UKHSA emphasized the significance of getting vaccinated before the winter months, especially for eligible individuals, to mitigate the spread of these viruses.
Dr. Jamie further highlighted the crucial role of vaccination in protecting against flu, Covid-19, and RSV, underscoring the importance of eligible groups getting vaccinated. Further information on vaccinations can be accessed on the NHS website.
If you are unsure whether you are experiencing flu, a cold, or the new Covid variant, here are the symptoms to be mindful of, noting that symptoms can vary among individuals.
These are the recognized symptoms of Covid advised by the NHS to watch for:
The NHS indicates that symptoms of RSV can manifest rapidly and may include:
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