MOSCOW, November 8 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Symptoms of the new COVID-19 strain PJ.2.1 may be similar to those of a cold or flu, and testing is necessary, the World Health Organization (WHO) told RIA Novosti.
Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can coincide. Thus, based on symptoms alone, it is impossible to determine with certainty which respiratory virus caused the infection, the WHO said.
In cases where establishing the cause of the illness may affect treatment tactics or public health decision-making, testing may be required, the organization noted.
The WHO's Russian office earlier told RIA Novosti that the risk of the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 spreading globally is increasing. The WHO noted that it is closely monitoring the spread of the new strain.
On Saturday, Doctor of Medical Sciences, infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova told RIA Novosti that severe sore throat and a longer period of fatigue after illness may distinguish the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 from other variants.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
