BRITS have been warned to stay home if they have symptoms of a cold as a new more contagious Covid strain spreads across the UK.
First detected in Germany in June, XEC has now been reported in several countries – and makes up one in 10 Covid cases in England and Wales.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UK Health Security Agency, said: ” If you are showing symptoms of flu or Covid-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.”
As it stands, scientists believe the fresh bug is not likely to be as deadly as some of its predecessors, but could be more contagious.
“Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely,” Dr Jamie added.
It comes as experts fear Brits may face a ‘tripledemic’ this winter, as the NHS rolls out a mass vaccine drive.
Meanwhile, the latest data from the UKHSA shows Covid-19 hospital admissions in England are continuing to rise.
The admission rate for patients testing positive for Covid-19 stood at 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6, up from 3.7 a week earlier.
It is the fourth weekly rise in a row.
A year ago, admissions stood at the higher rate of 6.2 per 100,000 people, before falling in subsequent weeks – then peaking at 5.2 over Christmas.
During the first winter of the pandemic in 2020/21, rates climbed as high as 36.5 per 100,000.
Dr Jamie warned of the triple threat, of Covid, flu and RSV, which could hit this winter.
“Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks,” he said.
“As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.”
For those more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, the NHS offers a free Covid booster shot.
Jabs have been updated to tackle recent variants, though not specifically for XEC, which evolved from earlier Omicron strains.
The NHS is also offering for the first time a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, which can be dangerous to older people and young children.
The jab is available to people aged 75 to 79 as well as pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Dr Conall Watson, of the UKHSA, said: “We are starting to see the expected seasonal rise in RSV, a common lung virus which can cause pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.
“RSV lung infections like bronchiolitis are a major cause of babies needing to visit A&E or be admitted to hospital each winter.
“The RSV vaccine for pregnant mums is an important step in keeping babies well through winter.
“If your baby has a cold that is getting worse, or it is causing unusual breathing or problems feeding, call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice. As a parent trust your judgement and if your baby seems seriously unwell go to A&E or call 999.”
