Brits are bracing themselves against a triple threat this winter as cases of the new rise, coinciding with low flu jab uptake and an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
The symptoms of these illnesses may appear similar on paper, but a study from the University of Southern California has pinpointed the exact sequence in which Covid-19 symptoms typically occur, potentially aiding in distinguishing it from other winter ailments.
Experts have advised individuals who notice this specific symptom progression to get tested for Covid-19 and to self-isolate. Dr Robert Glatter told Healthline about how to tell the difference between the flu and this: "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly developed a cough before the onset of fever."
READ MORE:
Additionally, keeping track of could be crucial for healthcare providers in terms of treatment. Joseph Larsen, lead study author and USC Dornsife doctoral candidate, 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 is making headlines as it mirrors previous variants, being a mix of subvariants. Dr Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, from the , has said: "The symptoms seem to be the same as with other recent subvariants of Omicron," reports .
She also pointed out that certain groups, including those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or not immune, might experience more severe lower respiratory tract symptoms, potentially leading to conditions such as pneumonia.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 hospital admissions in England are on the rise, though they 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 saw rates at 6.2 per 100,000 before a decline, and then a peak of 5.2 over the period.
Back in the winter of 2020/21, during the early stages of the pandemic, admission rates reached as high as 36.5 per 100,000.
You may also like
India-Canada ties hit rock bottom; Delhi strongly rejects Ottawa's fresh charges
Greg James hits out at Channel 4 for 'rushing' his axed TV show as it rivalled the Traitors
Harry Kane immediate Thomas Tuchel England manager verdict speaks volumes after FA talks
Lucy Letby failed her student nurse final year placement for being too 'cold' with bedside manner
Jammu and Kashmir: Ghulam Ahmad Mir to lead Congress legislative party
Grim side effects of weight loss drugs unemployed could be given in Labour scheme
Inspiring young people whose lives have changed forever thanks to King Charles
Ozzy Osbourne makes rare public appearance after being diagnosed with Parkinson's
Inside Renault's new 'secret weapon' with retro styling, 250-mile range and low price
MP bypolls: An uphill task for Congress in Vijaypur
Rio Ferdinand shares Man Utd theory after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes Sir Alex Ferguson
Ethan Nwaneri sends clear message to Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal injury woes
Fofana replacement named, Jackson dropped, Nkunku starts - Chelsea changes vs Liverpool
Apex Legends event release time, date, Trick N' Treat Trios and NEW rewards
Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart uses Virgil van Dijk to slam Micky van de Ven
Jamie Oliver's wild card secret ingredient is 'game changer' for fish tacos
Android 15 is finally here but even older phones are getting a big update
Overwatch 2 Season 13 update release TIME, date, patch notes, NEW skins
Inside Kate and William's Halloween plans with George, Charlotte and Louis
Raveena Tandon Says Mob Attacked Richa Chadha In Mumbai A Day After Assaulting Her: 'She Had To Pay Up'