The clear sign that could reveal you have the new COVID variant, according to a doctor

Since COVID-19 arrived in Spain, we've been learning more about this disease, how to deal with it, and what symptoms we can expect so we can identify it and not confuse it with other respiratory illnesses.
This isn't always easy, as variants and different strains keep emerging, requiring us to remain vigilant. Each one usually has distinctive characteristics , as well as certain symptoms that reveal the disease. Currently, two variants have begun to stand out: Nimbus and Stratus.
The symptoms that reveal the new Covid variantsAlthough things are calmer now and we no longer have a problem of the magnitude we faced in the past, Covid is still present and infections continue to exist. In fact, lately, there seems to have been an increase in registered cases, although with much milder symptoms , thanks to the work done throughout this time, raising awareness, but also vaccination and immunization.
In this "surge," two new variants have been observed, Nimbus and Stratus . Although many of the general symptoms are the same as those previously reported, there are others that can help diagnose the disease. In the case of the Nimbus variant, the most common symptoms are nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, headache, and persistent fatigue, but also cough .
A persistent cough is one of the key symptoms of this variant, which can include coughing fits that last more than an hour or three episodes in 24 hours, as reported by the Daily Mail . The Conversation has also noted that this strain also causes gastrointestinal symptoms , such as diarrhea, nausea, and constipation.
On the other hand, the Stratus variant is notable for its greater impact on the throat. Dr. Sara Kayat explained in a conversation with This Morning that one of the most telling symptoms is a "hoarse voice," as well as a "sharp sore throat," a painful sensation that some describe as feeling like a knife being stabbed into them. These are accompanied by the usual symptoms of "headache, cough, runny nose, and nasal congestion."
The World Health Organization has wanted to point out that this is a common situation, "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change , and as more data becomes available on these variants, we will better understand how they interact with our immune system and how to optimize our protection, as well as the measures we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and able to live as normal a life as possible. The most important thing is that those who are eligible get vaccinated in time." A recommendation that refers to Covid, but also to the flu .
Recommendations in case of contagionThe truth is that, even though these are new variants, the recommendations are the same as in previous cases. Whenever possible, it's best to stay home and avoid infecting others , especially those in the most vulnerable groups. It's not always possible to stay home, so if you have to go out and carry on with your normal life, it's recommended to follow the guidelines everyone already knows, such as washing your hands frequently, using disposable tissues , and wearing masks when necessary.
ReferencesGuarienti, FA, Xavier, FAC, Ferraz, MD, Bartelle, MB, Pasa, R., Angonese, A., Zanirati, GG, Marinowic, DR, & Machado, DC (2024). Identifying COVID-19 variant through symptoms profile: Would it be possible? A quick review. BMC Infectious Diseases , 24 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-10094-9
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