New XEC Covid variant is spreading in Europe, experts caution
A new Covid variant, dubbed XEC, is spreading through Europe and could soon become the most dominant strain of the infection, scientists have warned.
First identified this June in Germany, cases of the strain – which is understood to have arisen from sub-variants of omicron – have been discovered in 15 countries on three continents, including the UK, Denmark, the US and several other countries.
It features some new mutations which may help it spread this autumn, although vaccines should prevent severe cases, according to experts. If you're more likely to become seriously ill as a result of Covid-19, you can still access an NHS booster shot.
While the number of people who have contracted the strain in the UK is not known, and the UK Health Security Agency has not yet released figures, data shows that instances of Covid-19 overall are increasing by 4.3%, week on week. The number of Covid-related deaths, however, are decreasing.
The strain is a cross between previously discovered omicron sub-variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. It will take months before experts can say how severe the strain is, but scientists are worried that it could overtake KP.3.1.1 – at present considered to be the most common and contagious mutation.
Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol, said: XEC is 'just getting started now around the world and here'.
'It's going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave,' he told the LA Times. 'XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it's months off from getting into high levels.'
What are the symptoms of XEC Covid?
As before, symptoms are believed to be similar to those of a cold or the flu:
headaches
cough
sore throat
loss of sense of smell
tiredness and bodily aches
The NHS is offering a free booster shot for those more likely to become seriously ill, including adults aged 65 and over; those over the age of six months in a clinical-risk group, and some NHS and front-line health workers. The vaccines have been upgraded to match recent variants more accurately, though not including XEC.
Prof Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that XEC has a 'slight transmission advantage' over other recent Covid variants, but vaccines should still give robust protection.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) deputy director, said: 'It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.
'Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.'
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