A WORRYING new strain of Covid is spreading “rapidly” across the globe, experts have warned.
XEC was first detected in Germany in June and has since been found in at least 29 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.
Scientists don’t believe the variant is more deadly than some of its predecessors, but they say it is transmitted more easily.
XEC, a sublineage of Omicron which is said to be “taking charge” globally, is now thought to account for one in 10 cases in England.
About 11 per cent of Covid infections are believed to be XEC in Scotland, 13 per cent in Wales, and 24 per cent in Northern Ireland, according to outbreak.info.
Worldwide, the Czech Republic had the highest prevalence of the variant over the last 60 days, with 16 per cent of samples containing XEC.
This was closely followed by Germany, Austria, the Faroe Islands, the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal.
The UK sits in eighth place.
Dr Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, said: “XEC is definitely taking charge.”
It adds to growing fears of a winter tripledemic, with Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections rocketing.
The hospital 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, according to data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
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 at 36.5 per 100,000.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: “Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks.
“If you are showing symptoms, such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
“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.
“We understand people may be concerned about new variants.
“Our surveillance shows that where Covid cases are sequenced, around one in 10 are the ‘XEC’ lineage.
“Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant, but we are monitoring this closely.
“The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you’re eligible.”
All adults aged 65 and over are able to receive both the latest Covid-19 booster and this year’s flu jab, along with residents in older adult care homes and people with underlying health conditions aged six months to 64 years.
Both vaccines are also being offered to frontline health and social care staff, with employees in older adult care homes eligible for the Covid jab.
The hospital admission rate in England for people with flu stood at 0.6 per 100,000 in the most recent week, compared with 0.1 this time last year.
Symptoms of Covid XEC
By Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter
We don’t know what the specific XEC symptoms are just yet.
So far, the signs aren’t too dissimilar from what we’ve seen with earlier strains.
This includes tiredness, headaches, a sore throat, a high fever and a dry cough.
The loss of taste and smell – once a hallmark sign of the bug – is only reported by two to three per cent of infected Brits, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
If you are suffering from Covid, prioritise rest and hydration while using over-the-counter medications like paracetamol to relieve symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to get vaccinated.
Jabs have been updated to tackle recent variants, though not specifically for XEC, which evolved from earlier Omicron strains.
The NHS is offering autumn Covid boosters to the most vulnerable in October. This includes:
- Over-64s
- People aged between six months and 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
- People living in care homes for older people
- Front-line health and social care staff, including in care homes for older people
The NHS will contact eligible patients directly, but they can also book their own appointments now via the NHS App, GPs, pharmacies, drop-in clinics, or by calling 119.
Flu admissions last winter peaked at 7.5 per 100,000 people in late January.
The NHS is also offering for the first time a vaccine against 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.”
