Health experts are raising concerns about a new Covid variant that is rapidly spreading worldwide, cautioning that it’s “just beginning.”
The XEC strain, a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, was first identified in Germany in June but has since been detected in 15 countries across three continents.
US specialists, including Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, suggest it could become the dominant strain. Topol remarked that XEC is “just getting started globally and in the US.”
The latest figures for the UK show a 4.3 percent increase in Covid cases week on week. There were also 102 Covid deaths in the week to August 30 in England. 1,465 patients were admitted to hospitals with Covid in the same week. However, it’s important to note that the UK Health Security Agency hasn’t released detailed data on the specific XEC variant yet.
Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, highlighted that health authorities will keep a close watch on this variant in the weeks ahead. We break down everything you need to know about the XEC variant, from its symptoms to protective measures, reports the Mirror.
Symptoms of the XEC Covid variant mirror those of common respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. While many recover within weeks, some may take longer, and there’s a risk of severe illness leading to hospitalisation.
The NHS lists the most recent Covid-19 symptoms as follows:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
To protect yourself from the latest Covid variant, it’s important to follow similar precautions as with previous strains, including staying up to date with vaccines and booster shots. While vaccines may not completely prevent infection, they remain the best defense against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
Wearing a face mask, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, can also help reduce the risk, especially for those who are vulnerable or live with someone at higher risk.
Enhancing indoor ventilation, where possible, further lowers the chances of infection.
Maintaining physical distance from others and avoiding large gatherings is recommended. Good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water, are essential.
If you experience symptoms or have been exposed to an infected person, self-isolation is advised to help curb the spread of the virus.
The NHS recommends that if you test positive or have any Covid symptoms, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you feel uncomfortable, medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help alleviate your symptoms.
If you have a cough, you could have a teaspoon of honey – but you shouldn’t give honey to babies under 12 months.
If you feel breathlessness, you should try turning the heating down or opening a window, sitting upright, relaxing your shoulders and learning forward slightly.
The NHS also recommends breathing slowly “in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle.”