Main differences between new Cicada Covid strain that may 'evade vaccine' and common cold

There's a new variant of Covid which is spreading around the world, and it may 'evade' existing vaccines which fight the contagious disease.

Scientifically known as Variant BA.3.2, it's also known as Cicada, with it being a mutation from the Omicron strain, which was dominant when it first came about.

The new Covid strain has now spread around the world, with as it has been reported that as of February, it has been detected in at least 23 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Kenya and the Netherlands to name a few.

According to the European Medical Journal, the first case of the strain was recorded back in November 2024, as some reports suggest that Cicada is highly mutated compared to older strains, suggesting a 70 to 75 percent variation.

But as with normal Covid, it's easy for people who feel under the weather to jump to conclusions if they experience one or two of the main Covid symptoms, so here are the ways you can tell it apart from the common cold.

The Cicada strain has spead across at least 23 countries (Getty Stock Image)

Symptoms of the 'Cicada' Covid strain

The new Covid variant displays similar symptoms to existing variants, which may include coughing, fever or chills, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, and so on.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) add that the new variant will appear different to the immune system due to its genetic mutations, meaning you could be less protected by the vaccine, says the body's latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

They did note that Cicada cases could be 'underrepresentated' as there aren't many recorded transmitions, though they said that it may be responsible for a 'seasonal increase in COVID-19 activity'.

Differences between Cicada and a common cold

Spring allergies and flu season are coming into full effect, so it is easy for many to get symptoms mixed up - so how do you tell the difference?

The Mayo Clinic explains that there are big differences, such as Covid coming on more gradually that a cold or flu, or a common cold rarely causing a fever.

Here are the main symptoms to look out for:

Cold symptoms

• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Cicada symptoms

PBS say that the symptoms of Cicada don't differ much from other Covid strains, as symptoms can include:

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

Covid usually displays more symptoms that sets it apart from the common cold (Getty Stock Image)

Will the Cicada variant evade existing vaccines?

According to Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, there is no evidence that the strain makes people significantly sicker than other forms of Covid.

He told the publication that early data doesn't show any 'distinctive clinical presentations', but this has also been the case for other variants.

But when it comes to existing vaccines, there is the worry that the new strain could bypass them.

Popular Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines protect primarily against the KP.8.1 strain, while the Novavax vaccine targets the JN.1 strain.

But Cicada, or the BA.3.2 strain, is different enough where our antibodies may not recognise the illness as quickly.

Health experts have warned people to get their vaccinations if needed, as they can provide protection against more serious aspects of the infection.