The data, which was published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), shows that the hospital admission rate for new Covid cases rose to 3.3 per cent in London in the week up to September 30, a rise from 3.1 per cent the week prior.
Experts previously cautioned that a new, “stronger” Covid form was “just getting started” and would rapidly spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world. According to the UKHSA, the XEC variant now accounts for around one in 10 Covid cases in the UK.
Since its first discovery in Germany in June, 15 nations on three continents have been linked to the XEC strain. When the weather turns cold, specialists predict that this strain will take over as the predominant variant.
In California, Eric Topol, the director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, stated that XEC is “just getting started now around the world and here. And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave,” he told the LA Times.
“XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it’s months off from getting into high levels.”
The Covid XEC is a new variant of Covid-19 and the strain is a cross between the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variations.
Certain Covid strains have been shown to be more severe than others in recent years. But it will take a few more weeks or months before medical professionals can assess how severe the XEC strain’s symptoms are.
The UK Health Agency (UKHSA) has not yet released comprehensive data about the XEC variant.
According to weekly statistics, there had been an increase in Covid cases totalling 1,587 as of September 4.
Although there were 102 documented deaths in the week ending August 30, that’s a decrease of 20.9 per cent (27) from the week before.
In addition, the number of patients admitted to hospital with the virus was also down by six per cent to 1,465, in the week up to August 29.
What are the symptoms of Covid XEC?
The strain produces symptoms that resemble those of typical cold and flu symptoms.
Shortness of breath, a high fever, a persistent cough, loss of taste or smell, and a fatigued or exhausted feeling are typical symptoms.
In addition, classic cold symptoms such as a headache, sore throat, runny or clogged nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and feeling unwell are prevalent.
The majority of individuals will recover in a few weeks, but some may need to stay in the hospital and others may need longer.
Vaccines continue to be the best line of defence against serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death, even if they might not be able to completely prevent infection.
If you’re susceptible to the virus or live with someone who is, wearing a face mask can help shield you from it, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas. Whenever feasible, increasing interior ventilation can help lower the risk of illness even further.
