GettyPeople have begun to catch a new variant of Covid that could quickly become the dominant type, according to scientists.
Identified in Germany in June, cases of the XEC variant have since emerged in the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark and several other countries, they say. users on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It has some new mutations that could help it spread this fall, although vaccines should also help prevent severe cases, experts say.
For those most likely to be seriously ill from Covid, the NHS is offering a free booster shot.
The vaccines have been updated to better match recent variants, although not XEC, which emerged from earlier Omicron subvariants.
Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Institute of Genetics at the University of London, told BBC News that although XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other recent variants of Covid, vaccines should still offers good protection.
He says it is possible XEC will become the dominant subvariant over the winter.
‘Take charge’
Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol says that XEC is “just getting started”.
“And this is going to take several weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave,” he told the LA Times.
“XEC is definitely in charge.
“This seems to be the next variant.
“But we are months away from reaching a high level.”
What are the symptoms of XEC Covid?
The symptoms are thought to be the same cold or flu as before:
- a high temperature
- pains
- tiredness
- a cough or sore throat
Most people feel better within a few weeks of Covid, but it may take longer to recover.
There has been “strong growth” of XEC in Denmark and Germany, Covid data analyst Mike Honey says about X.
There is much less routine testing than before, making it difficult to know how much Covid might be around.
Where can I get Covid tests and vaccines?
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) says it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.
People who qualify for a free booster shot include:
- adults 65 years and older
- those living in a care home for older adults
- those older than six months in a clinical risk group
- some frontline NHS, care home and social workers
The principal flu and covid vaccination push it will start in October, although some may receive their shots earlier.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal and expected that viruses will change genetically over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging variants of Covid in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.
“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and we urge those contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”
A number of high street chemists and private clinics sell and administer Covid vaccines directly to the public.
The cost ranges from around £45 to £99.
You must be 12 years of age or older, and must not have had a stroke of Covid in the previous three months.
Routine Covid testing is not recommended, but people can buy a test to do at home for around £2 from High Street and online chemists.