New XEC Covid variant: What we know about symptoms and booster vaccines as it spreads 'more easily'
by Helena Vesty · Manchester Evening NewsScientists say new Covid-19 variant that is spreading globally. Known as the XEC strain, it originated in Europe and has been showing signs of transmitting more readily than predecessors.
It's identified as a recombinant variant by researchers, which occurs when two existing strains combine - a may happen if an individual contracts both strains simultaneously. XEC is formed from the KP.3.3 and KS. 1.1 strains, with genetic links to omicron - a variant initially spotted in South Africa in 2021 known for its high contagion levels and reduced severity compared to earlier SARS-CoV-2 strains.
The first detection of XEC was in Germany towards the end of August, and already, the UK has reported 82 cases. The United States is on alert too, with healthcare professionals warning that this variant is just beginning to take hold.
It has now been detected in 27 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Despite only being found three weeks ago, 13% of cases in Germany are now the XEC variant.
Richard Orton, a Bioinformatics Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, told The Conversation media outlet about the concerning trajectory of XEC: "XEC appears to have a growth advantage and is spreading faster than other circulating variants, suggesting it will become the dominant variant globally in the next few months."
He added: "This new variant will probably be similar to other Covid variants in terms of the disease caused, given its similar genetic information. So symptoms such as a high temperature, sore throat with a cough, headaches and body aches along with tiredness are to be expected."
Projections indicate that hospitalisations with Covid in the UK are set to rise as colder weather sets in. Next month, a fresh vaccination effort is expected to begin in an effort to slow the virus' transmission.
Symptoms to watch out for
The main symptoms of the XEC Covid variant, and other variants of the virus, are similar to those you experience with common illnesses such as colds and flu. While most people feel better within a few weeks, for others it can take longer to recover. Some people can also experience a more serious illness which could require hospitalisation.
Over the past few years, some Covid variants have proven to be more severe than others. To understand whether this is the case with XEC, though, we will need to wait a few more weeks or months so that health experts can establish how severe symptoms caused by this strain are.
According to the NHS, its full list symptoms include:
- 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
The NHS stresses while it is important to take caution, any or a combination of the above symptoms may not necessarily mean you've got coronavirus. They may be signs of another infection or disease, or nothing relatively serious at all.
(Image: Getty)
The next vaccine
Officials are urging those eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines to come forward to help ease pressure on the health service ahead of the winter months.
The NHS autumn booster campaign is expected to get underway as a new Covid variant spreads across Europe. A fresh round of Covid boosters will be available from between October 3 and December 20 as the XEC variant is predicted to become the dominant strain of the virus.
Prof Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, has said that the XEC variant is more contagious but that vaccines should still offer good protection. A drive for Covid vaccinations begins next month in the UK although some people may receive their shots earlier.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, 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.”
Who is eligible for a Covid booster?
According to the NHS, those who had received Covid vaccines were about 45 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital following two weeks after they had the booster. Those recommended for a booster this autumn include:
- adults aged 65 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in tables 3 or 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)
- frontline NHS and social care workers, and those working in care homes for older people
The eligibility is the same across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. People should not be offered a booster any earlier than around sic months following their last vaccine dose. If you are eligible, you can get an autumn vaccination even if you have not had a Covid jab offer in the past. People who have a weakened immune system are also eligible for the vaccine, although there is a criteria, some of which can be seen here:
- Organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients
- Those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month
- Those living with HIV
- Those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy
- Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Those who require long-term treatment for immunosuppression
- Those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia
- Those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system
While the list does cover a number of people who are eligible, it does not cover everything, so check nhs.uk/get-vaccine to see if you are eligible. You can also book vaccine appointments here.
More ways of keeping safe
To protect yourself from the latest Covid variant, you should take the same precautions you took with other variants, including keeping up to date with vaccines and booster shots. Vaccines may not fully prevent infection but they remain the most effective protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
Wearing a face mask, particularly in crowded or indoor settings where ventilation is poor, could also help you be protected against the virus, especially if you're vulnerable or live with someone who is more vulnerable to severe illness. Where possible, improving indoor ventilation can help reduce the risk of infection.
Keeping physical distance from others and avoiding large gatherings is also recommended. Maintaining good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, is key. If you develop any symptoms or have been in touch with someone who is infected, you should isolate to prevent further spread of the virus.
What to do if you test positive
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."