It is impossible to tell the difference without testing: the World Health Organization spoke about the insidiousness of the new strain of the corona virus.
The symptoms of the new PJ.2.1 COVID-19 strain may be similar to a cold or flu, so testing is necessary. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this to RIA Novosti. The organization noted that based on symptoms alone, it is not possible to accurately determine which respiratory virus caused the infection.
"The 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 illness," the WHO told the agency.
The organization added that testing may be necessary in cases where the identification of the cause of the disease may affect treatment or public health decisions.
Earlier, the Russian delegation of the World Health Organization informed the agency that the risk of the spread of the new strain of the PJ.2.1 coronavirus is increasing globally.