The new Covid-19 variant known as XEC is making headlines as it begins to spread across the UK, sparking health warnings from various officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports increasing case numbers, making it clear the XEC strain is becoming more prevalent. This variant appears to arise from the combination of two earlier variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
During the week ending October 6, the case rate for XEC reached 4.5 per 100,000 people, up from 3.7 the previous week. These rising numbers are causing concern, particularly among health experts who stress XEC's increased transmissibility due to its multiple mutations.
Symptoms associated with this variant are reportedly similar to those caused by other strains of coronavirus. People infected with the XEC variant may experience fatigue, headaches, sore throat, and high temperatures. Current data suggests these symptoms could appear more aggressively and might develop in a specific order: fever first, followed by cough, sore throat, muscle pain, and even gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea.
Dr. Robert Glatter has compared these symptoms with those from seasonal flu, noting the difference in symptom onset order. He states, "Patients with seasonal flu more commonly develop a cough before the onset of fever," which can help differentiate between the two illnesses.
The XEC variant has been responsible for approximately 11 percent of new COVID cases as of mid-October. This marks a significant increase from just 5 percent two weeks earlier. Health professionals remain cautious because, along with the rise of this new variant, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 are fortunately on the decline.
The variant was first detected over the summer, with Germany being among the initial locations reported. It is still relatively new, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) currently states there isn’t enough evidence to confirm whether it is more or less severe than previous strains.
Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, suggests XEC may have "a slight transmission advantage" over other circulating variants, making it potentially the next dominant strain. An earlier variant, KP 3.1.1, has been the most common strain both regionally and globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated XEC's roots stem from the Omicron variant, resulting from the recombination of different strains during simultaneous infections, which can potentially lead to new variants.
Despite the worrying trends, the answer to counter the virus remains vaccination. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) advises anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 to avoid contact with others for at least five days, though self-isolation is not legally mandated anymore. If individuals exhibit symptoms, it’s advised they postpone normal activities until they feel well again.
Boosters are currently available targetted primarily at those over 65 years old, frontline NHS and social care workers, and individuals with specific health vulnerabilities. People can schedule vaccinations through the NHS App or with their GP or local pharmacy.
Monitoring and responsiveness from medical authorities seem to be the key strategies moving forward. There is also significant public concern for vulnerable groups as colder weather sets in, coinciding with what some are calling the “tripledemic” — COVID-19, seasonal flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) influencing health this winter.
The consensus among health experts is crystal clear: vaccination offers the best protection against severe illness caused by these viruses. Engaging the public with timely information, symptom management, and vaccination strategies is fundamental as XEC cases continue to grow.
So, as the UK navigates through this fresh wave of infection fueled by the XEC variant, both healthcare professionals and the public must stay vigilant. Understanding the symptoms, following health guidelines, and prioritizing vaccinations can collectively help mitigate the threat posed by the new strain.