MOSCOW, Nov 8 — Symptoms of the new COVID-19 strain PJ.2.1 may resemble those of a cold or flu, and testing is necessary, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
“Symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory infections can overlap. Therefore, based on symptoms alone, it is impossible to determine with certainty which respiratory virus caused the infection,” it said.
The WHO added that testing may be required when establishing the cause of the illness, which could affect treatment decisions or public health decision-making.
Earlier, its Russian office said that the risk of the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 spreading globally is increasing.
The WHO also noted that it is closely monitoring the spread of the new strain.
On Saturday, infectious disease specialist and virologist Elena Malinnikova said that a severe sore throat and a longer period of fatigue following illness could distinguish the new coronavirus strain PJ.2.1 from other variants.
