The NHS has issued a plea to the public to take one crucial step in curbing the spread of Covid as fears mount over a new highly infectious variant poised to become dominant.
Health experts have raised concerns that the XEC strain could lead to a surge in infections this winter. First identified in Germany, the XEC variant has been reported in 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with over 600 cases confirmed worldwide – the UK has seen 82 cases so far.
Scientists believe that XEC’s mutations may enhance its ability to spread in the coming months. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, told the LA Times that XEC is “just getting started”.
“And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave,” he commented. “XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it’s months off from getting into high levels.”
Despite the concerns, experts are optimistic that current vaccines will continue to protect against severe illness. Professor Francois Balloux from University College London’s Genetics Institute spoke to the BBC, noting that XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” but emphasised that vaccinations should still offer robust defence, reports Coventry Live.
In an effort to reduce the virus’s spread, the NHS is advising individuals to stay home and avoid contact with others if they or their children exhibit Covid symptoms and either:
- Have a high temperature
- Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
The NHS has outlined that when individuals feel up to it and have no fever, they can return to usual activities. “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature,” stated the health service regarding mild symptoms.
It added: “If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
Self-isolation now isnt mandatory in the UK, with advice replacing former strict regulations. The previous NHS guidance suggested avoiding contact for at least five days after symptoms surface or 10 days when near vulnerable people.
Covid XEC symptoms
Symptoms of XEC reportedly remain akin to standard cold or flu-like signs we’re familiar with. According to the health body, these 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 three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- An aching body
- A headache
- A sore throat
- A blocked or runny nose
In line with NHS information, other Covid symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Shortness of breath
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Even though self-isolation laws are no longer active, the NHS recommends staying put at home if symptomatic.
From October 3 until December 20, these groups can access NHS Covid boosters:
- 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
- Frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older people.
Direct NHS communication will update those eligible for booster shots, but appointments can be made through the NHS App, GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or by ringing 119.
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