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Another year draws to a close, with another strain of the coronavirus making the rounds.
But this time, doctors say it may be harder to tell whether you have COVID-19, the flu or a cold without taking a test.
What is the newest strain of COVID-19?
The latest strain of the virus is XEC, which is a sub-variant of the Omicron strain. It differs from other strains because it is a combination of two pre-existing Omicron descendants, said Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at the Yale School of Medicine, in October.
That means the XEC strain is more transmissible than many of its predecessors, but on the upside, the symptoms associated with it are likely to be milder, Roberts said.
What symptoms are associated with the XEC strain?
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 is:
- Cough
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fever
Many of these symptoms also overlap with cold and flu symptoms, which is why experts say it’s important to get tested to confirm the illness and treat it accordingly.
Where can I get a free COVID-19 test?
COVID-19 tests are widely available across the United States, and thanks to a new federal program, Americans can now order test kits shipped to their homes for free.
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Every household in the United States is eligible to order four free home test kits, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Kirsten Hokeness, the director of Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, said that although XEC is more transmissible, a COVID-19 vaccine “will likely provide protection based on its components.”
Because the virus “mutates easily,” she said, it’s important that people 6 months or older routinely get vaccine boosters, according to the university’s news website.
“It takes several weeks for full immunity to build up,” she added. “Fall is a best time to get the updated vaccine so you’re protected during the winter months when we see increased infection.”
Roberts said the latest versions of PfizerModerna and Novavax vaccines should help mitigate the severity of symptoms caused by the XEC strain. He said on Yale Medicine’s website that he is “optimistic that we will still have some degree of protection against both recent infections and updated vaccines.”
There was a 4 percent test positivity across the U.S. in the past week, down from 4.4 percent the week before, according to the CDC.
