New Covid variant XEC set to become most dominant in UK within days
The XEC Covid variant is a recombinant of Omicron and is proving to be more infectious. It has already driven a surge in Covid infections in South Africa and the US
by Martin Bagot · ChronicleLiveA new Covid-19 strain dubbed XEC is on the brink of becoming the most prevalent variant in the UK this week. Originating from Omicron, XEC is considered more transmissible and already accounts for 21% of Covid cases across the country.
The rise of XEC coincides with the launch of the Autumn Covid booster campaign, with a strong call to over-65s and other vulnerable individuals to get their shots as a form of defence.
The NHS is bracing itself for a 'tripledemic' threat, anticipating severe waves of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), alongside Covid this winter a forecast informed by Australia's recent heavy toll from these viruses. Predictions are taken seriously due to Australia's track record as an early indicator for Britain's viral trends.
Australian data expert Mike Honey has forecasted that XEC will constitute over half of the UK's new Covid infections by Thursday, as reported by the i. Via Twitter, he shared: "For the UK, XEC is showing a strong growth advantage of 4.9% per day (34% per week) over the DeFLuQE variants, which predicts a crossover in mid-October."
Data traces from the Gisaid Covid database, a global consortium where labs exchange information about virus genetics sequenced from samples, reveal a significant rise in XEC since it made up an estimated 5% of UK Covid infections in late August, reports the Mirror.
The XEC variant, believed to be a fusion of two previously identified Omicron subvariants, KS. 1.1 and KP.3.3, is causing concern among health experts. Known as a "recombinant variant", it forms when two different variants infect a host simultaneously, allowing the viruses to exchange genetic information.
This dangerous double infection leads to the creation of a new variant with traits from both "parent" lineages. Both KS.1.1, part of the group known as "FLiRT" variants, and KP. 3.3, one of the "FLuQE" variants, have contributed to recent global surges in Covid infections.
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Symptoms are similar to previous variants, including high temperature, aches, fatigue, cough or sore throat.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, warned that XEC is "just getting started". Speaking to the LA Times, he said: "And that's going to take many weeks, a couple of 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
.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is normal for viruses to mutate and change. UKHSA data show Covid infections rose by nearly a tenth up to 5.05 people per 100,000 of the population on 28 September, compared to 4.66 a week earlier.Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, has said: ".
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reassured the public that it is normal for viruses to mutate and change. According to UKHSA data, Covid infections rose by nearly a tenth up to 5.05 people per 100,000 of the population on 28 September, compared to 4.66 a week earlier.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, highlighted the adaptable nature of viruses and the importance of vaccination: "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."
In the meantime, with flu season underway, the NHS has kicked off its combined flu and Covid vaccination programme since October. Target groups including individuals over 65, care home residents, clinical risk groups, and front-line health and social care staff are eligible and can learn how to get their booster jabs HERE if they're flagged by the NHS.
Moreover, for those seeking expedience and convenience, High Street pharmacies and private clinics offer Covid vaccines for prices ranging between £45 and £99 while affordable Covid tests are also on sale for approximately £2.