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 suffered from it are warning of the brutal symptoms.

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)

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!"

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

One 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 traveling 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.

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

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

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. There are so many reasons to panic every single day."

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

Symptoms include:

• 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."