A doctor has issued a warning that the XEC variant of Covid-19 could see the return of face masks and social distancing, three years after the end of the final pandemic lockdown.
Dr Joseph Ambani warned of “significant potential” for the new strain to trigger a crippling tripledemic this winter, where influenza, RSV, and Covid-19 could simultaneously skyrocket.
The healthcare expert from Glowbar LDN warned about the risks: “Unlike previous variants, XEC’s immune-evasive properties could increase the risk of co-infections, posing a serious threat, particularly to individuals whose immunity has already been weakened post-Covid.”
He said: “This could lead to not just overlapping infections but more severe illness in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.”
Dr Ambani didn’t stop there; he also raised the alarm that the XEC variant might push the NHS to its limits and escalate demand for ICUs (intensive care units) while possibly heralding a return to familiar Covid-era restrictions. His words spell out concern: “The strain on the NHS could be severe. With hospital resources already stretched to their limits, a tripledemic could bring services to the brink.”
He added: “What is particularly concerning is the increased demand for ICU care, as patients with compounded respiratory illnesses would require more intensive and prolonged treatment,” reports the Express, reports the Mirror.
“This may disrupt not only routine care but also delay elective procedures and non-emergency treatments, creating a ripple effect throughout the healthcare system.”
“Mask mandates and social distancing in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, public transport, and care homes, could be reinstated to protect the most vulnerable. Bubbling may once again be considered for at-risk individuals to minimise their exposure to multiple infections.”
In response to the threat of XEC, Dr Ambani called for government action: “Increased vaccination efforts, especially for flu and Covid, will be essential, and the public may need to renew their commitment to protective measures to prevent overwhelming the system.”
Other health experts are sounding the alarm about XEC, with the Manchester Evening News sharing insights from Dr Hellen Wall: “At the moment, it seems to be a bit more flu-like than previous iterations of Covid, with a high temperature, a cough, aching body, headache. Generally, if you’ve got true flu, you’re bed-bound. With Covid, you might actually be quite well.”
Dr Wall warned that the similarities between the XEC variant and seasonal flu could lead to unintentional transmission, saying: “You might be coughing and having other symptoms, but able to go about your business – and you might be unintentionally spreading it to people who are vulnerable.”
He highlighted that only the most severe cases are picked up through hospital testing and implored those eligible to get vaccinated to safeguard others, saying: “If you’ve been deemed eligible for these vaccines, it’s because we think you’re going to be very ill if you get these and end up in hospital.”
He further cautioned: “It’s about keeping that in perspective, you don’t want to look back and wish you’d had the jabs.”