With the wrap of the holiday season and the chilly weather, it is time to pay the utmost attention to our health. As we all have started to live in a world where COVID-19 exists, and new variants are being detected often, it is important to pay attention to changes in our health and not dismiss them as common colds or flu. Though new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected, the symptoms largely remain unchanged. However, it is of paramount importance that we don’t brush off those signs as just a common cold or flu. Understanding what to watch for could help you stay ahead of the virus in 2025.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), though symptoms may vary, epidemiologists haven’t linked specific symptoms to specific variants. This is why individuals who have had COVID-19 more than once may experience different symptoms with each infection.
But at a time when COVID, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus are prevalent, how do you identify what you may have caught? The easiest way to find out is to take a COVID test. Free rapid COVID tests are still available at COVIDtests.gov, for four people per household. You can avail it from stores and online retailers. You can also order over-the-counter and laboratory tests to find out if you have COVID, influenza A, influenza B, and/or RSV.
Symptoms of COVID
Though the symptoms of COVID-19 may change according to the variant, some of the commonly seen symptoms according to the CDC are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some of the less common symptoms include:
- Rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
- Red or irritated eyes
The serious symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
- Chest pain.
WHO recommends to seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. In case of mild symptoms, seek the help of your doctor or health facility.
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The new strain of COVID-19, XEC, is a subvariant of the Omicron and is one of the fast-spreading variants in the US and UK. Coughing is one of the most common symptoms found in people infected with this variant. If you experience similar symptoms, it’s best to isolate yourself and seek the help of professionals.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
