A doctor has warned that the XEC variant of Covid-19 could see the return of masks and social distancing over three years after the end of the final pandemic lockdown.
Dr Joseph Ambani told Express.co.uk that this variant of Covid had “significant potential” to fuel a tripledemic this winter, one which could see waves of influenza, RSV and Covid-19 surge at the same time.
The Glowbar LDN doctor explained: “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.
“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.”
Not only could the XEC variant contribute to the tripledemic, according to Dr Ambani, he also warned XEC could also push the NHS to the brink and increase demand for ICUs (intensive care units) and see the return of Covid-era protections.
He said: “The strain on the NHS could be severe. With hospital resources already stretched to their limits, a tripledemic could bring services to the brink.
“What is particularly concerning is the increased demand for ICU care, as patients with compounded respiratory illnesses would require more intensive and prolonged treatment.
“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.”
As to what the government and health service should do to mitigate the impact of XEC, Dr Ambani recommended: “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 professionals have also highlighted the need to protect the public and British health system against XEC.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News Dr Hellen Wall explained the differences between XEC and other strains of Covid and what patients could expect if they are infected by the virus.
She said: “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 added that because the XEC variant shares many of its symptoms with the seasonal flu virus many people could spread it completely by accident: “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.
“We only know for sure about the cases that we see in hospitals, involving the sickest people because that’s where most of the testing is happening.”
As a result, Dr Wall has encouraged people to get vaccinated so they can protect others, cautioning: “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.
“It’s about keeping that in perspective, you don’t want to look back and wish you’d had the jabs.”