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As winter approaches, health experts are sounding the alarm over a looming “triple-threat” involving the novel XEC variant, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with cases spiking. These illnesses share similar initial symptoms, complicating diagnostic efforts. However, a crucial study from the University of Southern California (USC) could offer a solution, highlighting COVID-19’s unique symptom progression, which may help with early detection.
According to Healthline’s health experts, testing and self-isolation are strongly recommended if specific symptoms associated with COVID-19 appear. Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician, explained that seasonal flu often presents differently, with “patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever,” a pattern that can aid in distinguishing between these illnesses.
Joseph Larsen, the lead author of the USC study, emphasized the importance of recognizing these different symptom patterns: “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.”
According to Dr. Monica Gandhi from the University of California, the XEC strain, a hybrid of the Omicron variant, shares symptoms with other recent subvariants. told by Medical News Today, “The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron,” she noted. However, she warned that individuals who are immunocompromised, elderly, or not fully immune may experience more severe lower respiratory tract issues, potentially leading to conditions like pneumonia. Despite an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions, they remain relatively low.
Recent figures show a slight increase in hospital admissions, with the rate rising to 4.5 per 100,000 people for the week ending October 6, up from 3.7 the previous week. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), this marks the fourth consecutive weekly increase. While still lower than last year’s peak rates of 6.2 per 100,000, hospital admissions have shown an upward trend, reminding health officials of the potential risks as winter sets in. During the first winter of the pandemic, the rate reached as high as 36.5 per 100,000.
