The new XEC strain of covid is causing concern and latest figures show hospitalisations are on the rise (Image: Getty)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeHealth officials confirmed on October 10 that Covid cases are increasing across the UK, with new strains like XEC on the rise. According to the UK Health Security Agency’s latest report, Covid-19 activity is rising across most indicators. Hospitalisations have increased to 4.55 per 100,000, up from 3.72 per 100,000 the previous week, with 59 reported Covid-19 acute respiratory incidents. The positivity rate is highest among those aged 85 and over. The North East has the highest hospital admission rate at 8.12 per 100,000. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stated: “COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks. As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – COVID-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.”
Experts say the XEC strain could become dominant
(Image: Getty)
“We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the ‘XEC’ lineage. Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely. The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you’re eligible.” “If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.” The NHS has issued advice on what to do if you fall ill, as experts predict a new strain could become dominant in the UK. Although isolation rules are no longer compulsory, the NHS recommends staying at home and avoiding contact with others for five days after taking your test. Additionally, it’s advised to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals for 10 days after testing positive. This warning comes as experts believe a new strain could be highly transmissible due to a number of mutations it carries. Known as the XEC variant, it was first discovered in Germany and has since been found in 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Adding to this, Covid cases are on the rise again in the UK. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a 2.8 per cent increase in Covid cases – following a 21.6 per cent rise in England the previous week. The latest Covid stats are in, and there’s been a slight uptick. In the seven days leading up to October 2, cases have risen by 78 from the previous week, with 2,912 new infections reported. The week before, ending September 27, saw 128 tragic deaths related to the virus. Hospital admissions aren’t slowing either, with 2,622 patients admitted in the week to September 28. If you’re feeling under the weather with Covid symptoms, the NHS advises staying home to avoid spreading the bug. “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature,” says the NHS website. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
What to do if you have Covid symptoms Even if you don’t take a Covid test, the NHS has recommended that you try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms and either: Have a high temperature Or do not feel well enough to go to work, school or do your normal activities. “You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature,” the NHS says on its website. “If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.” Symptoms Symptoms of XEC are thought to be similar to other strains of Covid and can include: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick.
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