COVID-19 and influenza can cause similar symptoms, so the cause of the disease cannot be determined by how you feel alone. The World Health Organization reminds of this in its recommendations on respiratory infections. Amid the spread of the coronavirus variant PJ.2.1, specialists continue to study its properties. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Similarity of symptoms

Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and weakness occur in both coronavirus infection and influenza. At the same time, both infections can run with varying degrees of severity.

Identifying the pathogen is important for choosing treatment. As WHO explains, antiviral drugs for treating influenza and COVID-19 differ. Vaccination against one of these infections also does not replace vaccination against the other.

Study of the PJ.2.1 variant

According to a study published in the Journal of Infection, the PJ.2.1 variant was first detected on May 2, 2026, in the Canadian province of Ontario. It descends from one of the Omicron lineages. Subsequently, cases of infection were registered in other provinces of Canada, the United States and a number of European countries, as well as in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

The authors of the work studied the properties of the viral protein under laboratory conditions. The results indicate that the spread of PJ.2.1 may be facilitated by more efficient binding to the ACE2 receptor, through which the virus enters cells. This is a preliminary characteristic of the variant, which by itself does not determine the severity of the disease in humans.

Epidemiological data

Surveillance data confirm an increase in its share in Ontario. In a report dated November 2, the province's public health service reported that PJ.2.1 accounted for 25.2% of investigated cases in the period from September 20 to October 17. In the previous four-week period, the figure was 16.9%. These results relate to a sample of cases for which genetic testing of the virus was conducted.

According to a WHO summary published on November 4, in the week ending October 25, the global share of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 increased slightly but remained low.

In most countries providing data, coronavirus activity was stable and low. At the same time, in individual European countries and other regions, the share of positive samples exceeded 10%. Indicators for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus worldwide also remained low, although the situation varied by country.

WHO recommendations

WHO recommends staying at home when ill, observing hand hygiene and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. When symptoms of infection are present, as well as for people in risk groups, the organization advises using a mask in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation.

People at increased risk of severe illness include older adults, pregnant women, patients with chronic diseases and weakened immunity. In case of difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent pain or pressure in the chest, it is necessary to seek medical help.

Situation in Kazakhstan

Earlier, Kursiv wrote about the spread of PJ.2.1. At the time of publication on October 31, it was reported that this variant had not been registered in Kazakhstan.

Previously, the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health called the coronavirus situation stable. According to the agency's data as of October 23, since the beginning of 2026, 247 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the country, compared with 942 in the same period last year. Laboratory monitoring showed circulation of the XFG lineage, known as "Stratus".

In September, the Ministry of Health also reported a decrease in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections: since the beginning of the month, more than 51.9 thousand cases were registered — 1.8 times fewer than a year earlier. When fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat appear, the agency recommended staying at home and promptly consulting a doctor.