New highly contagious Covid variant XEC on track to become most dominant in UK

More contagious Covid-19 strain XEC set to take over after NHS warnings of a 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

A new Covid-19 strain called XEC is taking over and is set to become dominant in Britain this week.

It is descended from the Omicron variant but is more contagious and has quickly grown to make up 21% of UK Covid infections. It comes as the Autumn Covid booster drive has started this month and health officials are urging over-65s and other eligible groups to get the jab to protect themselves.

The NHS has warned it faces a potential 'tripledemic' of viruses this winter with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also both predicted to hit hard this season. The warning follows thousands being hospitalised with the viruses in Australia during their winter months - usually a predictor of what will happen in Britain.

Australian data scientist, Mike Honey, predicts XEC will be responsible for more than 50% of new UK Covid cases by Thursday, the i reported. He tweeted: “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.”

The Gisaid Covid database shows a steep increase in XEC since late August when it was estimated to make up only around 5% of UK Covid infections. Gisaid is an international collaboration of laboratories sharing data on viruses based on samples that have been genetically sequenced.

The XEC variant is believed to be a combination of two previously identified Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. It is known as a “recombinant variant” which forms when two different variants infect a host at the same time, which allows the viruses to switch genetic information. This dangerous double infection is what leads to the creation of a new variant with characteristics from both “parent” lineages. KS.1.1 is one of the group commonly known as “FLiRT” variants, while, KP.3.3 is one of the “FLuQE” variants. Both groups have contributed to recent surges in Covid infections globally. Symptoms are similar to previous variants such as a high temperature, aches, tiredness as well as a cough or sore throat.

Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, Eric Topol, told the LA Times that XEC is "just getting started". 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: “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.”

The NHS vaccination drive for flu and Covid started properly in October. Those eligible include all over-65s, those living in elderly care homes, people in clinical risk groups as well as front-line NHS and social care workers. Click HERE to find out how to get your Covid booster on the NHS if you are eligible.

High Street chemists and private clinics also sell and administer Covid vaccines, costing from £45 to £99. And Covid tests can be bought for around £2.