October 16, 2024, Health professionals are now sounding warnings about the new COVID-19 variant, XEC, which is appearing to take after a certain sequence when it comes to symptoms. Doctors have issued a word of caution as it is possible for the patients affected by the COVID XEC variant to appear with their symptoms in a certain sequence while still making it easier to detect but a bit more treacherous in case it remains unidentified.
Symptom Pattern of COVID XEC
According to medical experts, the COVID XEC symptom profile usually follows a pattern: first, there is a sore throat or congestion; then comes intense fatigue and body aches; after that, respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. Though different variants of COVID-19 were presented with variable symptoms, predictability in the progression of XEC drew the interest of everybody from the researchers to the doctors.
“One of the biggest differences with the XEC variant is that many patients report fatigue and body pain early on, which usually come later with other variants,” said infectious disease expert Dr. Rachel Turner. “That might help with earlier diagnosis, but it also means people might delay treatment because early symptoms are milder.”
More cases will be worse than mild ones:
Doctors remarked, however that the XEC strain even though it was a more patterned course may cause severe respiratory troubles quickly. Hospital data indicated that patients infected with XEC who do not receive early medical care will deteriorate soon and their conditions deteriorate more often in elderly patients and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
New York City pulmonologist Dr. Anthony Hughes said this may pose a particular danger to those who might underestimate this variant’s initial mildness. “We are seeing patients who think they just have a cold or mild fatigue, only to come in later with significant respiratory distress. The structured order of symptoms can give a false sense of security in the early stages.
Vaccination is still a cornerstone against the transmission and severity of the XEC variant. According to experts, people must stay up to date with their COVID vaccinations as booster shots are proved to provide robust immunity against severe diseases from XEC. Preliminary studies have shown that vaccinated people are less likely to experience severe symptoms even if they progress in a specific order.
This includes wearing masks in high-risk areas and public places as XEC spreads, practicing good hygiene, and looking out for symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What Should You Do if You Believe You Have COVID XEC?
If one begins to experience any of the symptoms of COVID XEC, in particular if these symptoms develop sequentially, starting with sore throat, then followed by fatigue, and eventually resulting in respiratory problems, then it is essential to get tested right away and to self-isolate. This will help prevent complications, especially if treatment begins early.
Doctors advice people not to take the early symptoms lightly, especially when winter has brought in its usual seasonal box of colds and flu. “It is of importance to remember that although the XEC variant starts off mildly, it can quickly take off. Early detection and isolation will prevent spread and complications, so avoid self-treatment,” Dr. Turner warned public.
Public Health Measures
The health authorities worldwide are following very closely the spreading COVID XEC as a few countries even move to severe travel advisories and health measures. Local governing bodies in the United States recommend staying vigilant and informed through official health outlets.
Since XEC is a new emerging threat, its symptom development is being believed to help provide early knowledge about infections that can recognize significantly in the early stages and avoid becoming seriously ill or requiring hospital admissions.
This story is still developing, and more health experts are researching this new variant, COVID XEC, to determine the full effect it has. Be sure to follow health updates to get the latest guidance on protection and prevention measures.
