Health experts have warned of a ‘new Covid variant’ that’s reportedly been identified in 15 countries across the world. The infectious strain, referred to as ‘XEC’, was thrown into the spotlight by Eric Topol, a leading American scientist and Executive VP at Scripps Research just yesterday, as he highighted fresh data tracked by specialist Mike Honey.
Depicted graphs display that XEC was first detected in Germany before making its way through Europe and the US. Topol said: “At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next.”
His observation also comes after Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, told the LA Times last month that XEC spread was only ‘just getting started’, adding: “XEC is definitely taking charge. … That does appear to be the next variant.”
The Mirror suggests that signs of the XEC Covid are not dissimilar or significantly different to previous strains, including a group of variants which emerged in the spring and were known collectively as FLiRT. This may include a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, shortness of breath, exhaustion and body aches, among others.
Despite this, the UK Health Security Agency has yet to provide detailed data concerning the specific XEC variant and NHS advice remains the same.
If you’re suffering from a high temperature and don’t ‘feel well enough’ to work, go to school or carry out normal day-to-day tasks, don’t ignore this. Instead, the NHS advises: “try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms.”
Choosing to self-isolate once again can help curb the potential spread of Covid. This is a crucial step in protecting others, particularly those who are vulnerable, from falling ill with this unpleasant variant.
Medical professionals also urge Brits to stay current with their vaccines and booster shots. While vaccines may not completely prevent infection, they continue to offer the most effective defence against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.
Reach has approached the UK Health Security Agency for further clarification.
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