New Covid XEC variant: signs and symptoms
A new COVID-19 variant has been detected around the world, and it has spread in half of the states in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about the virus.
The weather has started to cool off, and with the colder months come higher chances of picking up a respiratory illness due to the dry air and the likelihood of people staying indoors and spreading an infection amongst themselves.
One disease Americans should watch out for is COVID-19, especially because there’s a new variant that has been spotted in half the U.S. states. Global virus database GISAID says 25 states have reported at least one case of infection by the XEC COVID-19 variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials believe there will be a higher incidence of XEC infections over the winter, possibly reaching a high in the middle of January. Scientists believe the variant could become widespread and turn out to be the next dominant strain.
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New Covid XEC variant: signs and symptoms
The symptoms of the new strain are believed to be the same as those brought about by previous variants. Although people may not experience the exact same symptoms as those others when they are hit by the virus, there are some basic signs to watch out for.
Symptoms of XEC are similar to those of earlier strains of the COVID-19 virus, including reduced appetite and loss of smell.
- High temperature
- Aches and pains
- Tiredness
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Reduced appetite
- Loss of smell
Health officials urge people to take preventive measures
People who suffer from COVID-19 get over the worst of their symptoms within a few weeks, but full recovery can take longer.
The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic officially “over” in May last year. This meant that the virus was no longer recognized as a “global health emergency”.
However, medical experts warn the virus continues to be a threat, and urge everyone to take precautions, such as frequent hand-washing, especially with the onset of winter.