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With the holiday season in the U.S., there is often a rise in cases of colds, flu, and COVID-19. As people gather indoors and travel increases, the spread of respiratory illnesses becomes more common. Health experts are closely monitoring the spread of new variants, with cases rising in several regions.<\/p>\n
Find out what symptoms to look for, how to protect yourself, and more below.<\/p>\n
What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?<\/h2>\n
The symptoms caused by the dominant variants circulating, XEC and KP.3.1.1, are very similar to those caused by previous omicron subvariants, according to experts.<\/p>\n
Common COVID-19 symptoms include:<\/p>\n
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- Sore throat<\/li>\n
- Congestion<\/li>\n
- Runny nose<\/li>\n
- Cough<\/li>\n
- Fatigue<\/li>\n
- Headache and body aches<\/li>\n
- Fever or chills<\/li>\n
- Shortness of breath<\/li>\n
- Nausea or loss of appetite<\/li>\n
- Diarrhea<\/li>\n
- Loss of sense of taste or smell<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While the latest COVID-19 variants seem to cause milder illness overall, they can still lead to severe disease that requires hospitalization. Some individuals are at a higher risk, including those over 65, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised.<\/p>\n
Additionally, each time a person contracts COVID-19, they risk developing long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist or reemerge for weeks or months after infection, according to the CDC.<\/p>\n
How Can You Protect Yourself from COVID-19?<\/h2>\n
By following precautions, you can help reduce your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Here are some key ways to protect yourself:<\/p>\n
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- Get Vaccinated and Boosted<\/strong>
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to help reduce the severity of illness and the risk of transmission.<\/li>\n- Wear a Mask<\/strong>
In crowded or indoor spaces, wearing a mask, especially in areas with high transmission, can help protect you and others from the virus.<\/li>\n- Practice Good Hand Hygiene<\/strong>
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap is unavailable.<\/li>\n- Avoid Crowded and Poorly Ventilated Spaces<\/strong>
Limit exposure to large gatherings, and ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated by opening windows or using air filtration systems.<\/li>\n- Stay Home If You\u2019re Feeling Unwell<\/strong>
If you\u2019re experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.<\/li>\n- Monitor Your Health<\/strong>
Be vigilant about any symptoms and get tested regularly, particularly if you\u2019ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n
- Wear a Mask<\/strong>
- Get Vaccinated and Boosted<\/strong>