A sore throat, runny nose, fever or persistent cough may seem like signs of seasonal flu or a common cold. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning that people should not automatically dismiss such symptoms, as emerging COVID-19 new variant can cause similar complaints, making it difficult to distinguish between the infections based on symptoms alone.
The concern is particularly relevant as respiratory infections circulate and their symptoms increasingly overlap. While COVID-19 has evolved considerably since the beginning of the pandemic, it has not disappeared. New variants continue to emerge, and understanding how they present is important for people deciding when to get tested or seek medical attention.
What Do We Know About The New COVID Variant PJ.2.1?
The new strain, identified as PJ.2.1, is a lineage of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Its emergence has drawn attention because of its ability to spread across countries and the difficulty of distinguishing its symptoms from other respiratory infections. Reportedly, on November 8, WHO said that symptoms associated with PJ.2.1 may resemble those of influenza and the common cold. The organisation stressed that testing is necessary when identifying the virus could influence treatment or public health decisions.
A severe sore throat and fatigue that persists for longer after the infection have also been mentioned by infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova as possible features. However, these are not confirmed distinguishing symptoms, and there is no established symptom profile unique to PJ.2.1.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between COVID-19 And Flu?
Unfortunately, symptoms alone cannot reliably establish which infection a person has. Both COVID-19 and influenza can cause fever and chills, sore throat, persistent cough, runny or blocked nose, headaches, muscle and body aches; and fatigue and weakness.
Some people with COVID-19 may also experience changes in their sense of smell or taste, although these are not present in every case. Influenza, meanwhile, often begins suddenly, with fever, muscle aches and pronounced tiredness. However, these patterns are not reliable enough to confirm a diagnosis.
The WHO recommends diagnostic testing when identifying the infection is important for treatment decisions. Depending on availability, healthcare providers may recommend COVID-19 tests, influenza tests or combination tests that check for both viruses.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
People should be particularly careful if they are older, pregnant, immunocompromised or living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory illnesses. These groups face a higher risk of complications from both COVID-19 and influenza. Difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, unusual drowsiness or loss of consciousness require urgent medical attention.
While PJ.2.1 is being monitored, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that it causes more severe illness than earlier variants. Maintaining good respiratory hygiene, staying home when unwell, wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings when symptomatic and keeping recommended vaccinations up to date remain important precautions.
The takeaway is that not every bout of flu-like illness is COVID-19, but assuming it is just seasonal flu can also be misleading. When symptoms overlap, testing rather than guesswork is the most reliable way to identify the infection.
