The new ‘stronger’ Covid XEC strain is spreading across the world, and according to experts is ‘just getting started’.
The strain – a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants – was first identified in Germany in June and has so far been detected in 13 countries across three continents.
Scientists believe it could become the dominant variant during the colder months ahead.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, told the LA Times XEC is ‘just getting started now around the world and here’.
He added: ‘And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave.
‘XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it’s months off from getting into high levels.
The UK Health Security Agency hasn’t released data on the XEC variant yet.
However, according to the latest figures, there has been a 4.3% increase in Covid cases in the UK week on week.
There were also 102 Covid deaths in England in the week to August 30.
A total of 1,465 patients were admitted to hospitals with Covid in the same week.
The symptoms associated with the XEC strain are similar to those associated with previous Covid variants.
These include a fever, sore throat, cough, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite,and body aches.
As the strain is a sub-family of the same omicron lineage, experts say vaccines and booster shots currently offered should still protect you against severe illness.
Regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California Dr Elizabeth Hudson said health experts will continue to monitor the variant in the coming weeks.
Just like with earlier Covid variants, washing your hands frequently, wearing a face mask and staying up to date with vaccines and booster shots can protect you from the disease.
People eligible for a free booster vaccine this autumn include:
The UK Health Security Agency has said that NHS England will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the autumn vaccine in due course.
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