Onishchenko named severe sore throat as the dominant symptom of the new COVID-19 strain PJ.2.1

Severe sore throat as the main sign of the new strain

The main symptom of illness caused by the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 is a severe sore throat. This was reported by epidemiologist, RAS academician and Deputy President of the Russian Academy of Education Gennady Onishchenko in a conversation with TASS. “The sore throat has become the dominant symptom,” he replied when asked about the characteristic manifestations of the new variant.

The global situation and features of the disease course

Earlier, the World Health Organization reported on the spread of the PJ.2.1 strain worldwide: according to its data, the share of this variant is growing in a number of countries, including the United States and Canada. Isolated cases have also been recorded in Europe, although their number remains low. The WHO said it is closely monitoring the situation.

What distinguishes the new variant

Doctor of Medical Sciences, infectious disease physician and virologist Elena Malinnikova clarified that the PJ.2.1 strain may differ from others by severe sore throat and a more prolonged loss of strength after the illness. According to her, the main risk group is elderly people aged 60 and older.

Context

Thus, according to available publications, the new variant stands out against the background of familiar seasonal coronavirus infections precisely by its pronounced throat damage and prolonged recovery, while the scale of its spread in Europe remains small so far. The new strain is described in more detail in a separate article by Gazeta.Ru; earlier the epidemiologist also spoke about, how viruses mutate from season to season. The content of these materials is not provided in the available sources, so their conclusions are not summarized here.