People with ‘Cicada’ Covid variant share warning to others over brutal symptoms

A new 'heavily-mutated' variant of Covid is doing the rounds and people who've had it have warned others to 'really be careful'.

The new version comes from strain BA.3.2 and has been given the nickname of 'Cicada'.

It has been reported in 23 countries, including the UK, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new Covid-19 variant is believed to have undergone 75 mutations, making it a new threat to the immune system.

Kyle B. Enfield, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia, told The Conversation that these mutations make it more difficult for our immune systems to detect.

This can result in a spike of cases, and as well as being contagious, people are experiencing the 'worst' symptoms lasting for weeks at a time.

The new strain is causing brutal symptoms (Getty Stock Images)

One Redditor who had it warned: "Guys really be careful. I had the worst fever for 2 days it was 104 fever I couldn’t get out of bed. It is extremely contagious!"

A second added: "I’m just now getting over it. Felt like I was dying for three weeks. It sucked."

Another shared that they still suffered badly, but not as much as they might have because they had been vaccinated: "Got a vaccine a little over a month ago. Seemed to get this travelling cross country. About a week of symptoms give or take with the worst peaking day 3-4 and then slowly tapering off each passing day. Brain fog lingered the longest but slightly better by day 7-8. My doc said I was lucky I didn’t have the flu."

Professor Enfield stressed that 'even though it's spreading quickly, there's no indication that it's any more dangerous or that it causes more severe disease' than other variants.

The virus has mutated many times over (Getty Stock Images)

He echoed the vaccinations sentiment, adding: "However, especially given that current vaccines may not be as effective against it, protection remains important."

One Redditor felt people have become lax around Covid-19 and the risks: "I am so tired of everyone pretending covid is no big deal anymore, and not mentioning long covid."

'Cicada' was first identified in South Africa on 22 November, 2024.

What are the symptoms of the ‘Cicada’ Covid variant?

The symptoms are thought to be similar to previous Covid variants (Getty Stock Images)

• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell or taste
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

As for how to avoid it, Enfield advised: "If you feel unwell, stay home – not just to take care of yourself, but to prevent spreading disease."