A GP has revealed a key difference in the new XEC Covid-19 strain symptoms – here are the signs to look out and how to treat it if you’re unlucky enough to catch it
Yet another strain of Covid-19 is spreading across the country and there is a different symptom to look out for.
The new XEC variant of Covid-19 was identified in the UK three weeks ago. It is a recombinant variant, which occurs when an individual contracts two strains – in this case the KP. 3.3 and KS. 1.1 strains – simultaneously.
But with a decline in mass testing initiatives and individual lateral flow testing kits proving pricey, it can be hard for public health officials to officially keep track the number of cases of the new strain.
Add in the typical “winter” bugs that are beginning to circulate – think flu, colds and gastroenteritis – and it can be difficult to tell what illness you’re suffering from.
But first detected in Germany back in June, sufferers say the symptoms of the variant can be “distinctive”.
GP Dr Helen Wall has compared the strain to having flu but with more intense symptoms. She told the Manchester Evening News: “At the moment, it seems to be a bit more flu-like than previous iterations of Covid, with a high temperature, a cough, aching body, headache.
“Some of the symptoms in the past were more cough and cold symptoms, but at the moment, Covid does seem to be wiping people out.”
The medic said it could be hard to tell the variant apart from the flu – and to add confusion, people sometimes think they have flu when they have a common cold.
“Whether it’s Covid versus flu is hard to separate,” said Dr Wall. “People who have the flu tend to be extremely unwell. Sometimes, people say they’ve got the flu but have actually got a bad cold.
“Generally, if you’ve got true flu, you’re bed bound. With Covid, you might actually be quite well.
“You might be coughing and having other symptoms, but able to go about your business and you might be unintentionally spreading it to people who are vulnerable.”
Covid symptoms to look out for include:
a high temperature or shivering
a new, continuous cough
a loss or change to sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache lasting longer than usual
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
Vaccines are available on the NHS for people “at increased risk” and can be purchased privately by others at many high street pharmacies.
If you have Covid, get plenty of rest and drink water to stay hydrated. Medications including paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with symptoms. A teaspoon of honey can help with a cough – not advised for babies under 12 months.
For many people at home rest and treatment is enough but breathing problems, confusion, chest pain or trouble staying awake are among the more serious symptoms that mean you should seek emergency treatment.