The key facts

  • The WHO reported the spread of the new COVID-19 strain PJ.2.1; its share is growing in the United States and Canada, while cases in Europe remain few so far
  • Symptoms may overlap with influenza and the common cold, making it impossible to identify the virus by symptoms alone — specialists recommend testing
  • Infectious disease physician Elena Malinnikova noted possible severe sore throat and prolonged fatigue; the risk group is people aged 60 and older

The new strain and its symptoms

The World Health Organization has reported the spread of a new COVID-19 strain — PJ.2.1. According to the organization, the share of this variant is growing in a number of countries, including the United States and Canada; isolated cases have been recorded in Europe, but their number remains low so far. The WHO noted that it is closely monitoring the situation. The organization told RIA Novosti about the symptoms of the variant, as reported by Gazeta.Ru.

Why a single examination is not enough

The WHO warned that the symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections may overlap, so it is impossible to determine which particular virus caused the illness based on the clinical picture alone. Against this background, specialists recommended testing.

What virologists say

Doctor of Medical Sciences, infectious disease physician and virologist Elena Malinnikova clarifiedthat the PJ.2.1 strain may differ from others in severe sore throat and a longer-lasting loss of strength after the illness. She named elderly people aged 60 and older as the main risk group.

Context

Earlier, in a Gazeta.Ru article, the new COVID-19 strain was described in detail, and an epidemiologist previously explained how viruses mutate from season to season. The WHO reported the global spread of PJ.2.1 the day before the publication about the symptoms — on November 7.