Covid XEC was first identified in Germany with cases in Denmark, US and UK rapidly spreading as around 15 countries have also identified cases of it.
Experts state this variant has some new mutations which may increase its spread during autumn.
The Covid vaccines have been updated to match new variants however not with XEC which emerged from Omicron subvariants.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), viruses are prone to mutations and changes.
UKHSA’s recent Covid data revealed a 4.3 per cent spike in cases but saw a decline in the number of deaths from Covid.
Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, Doctor Eric Topol, warns Covid XEC is ‘just getting started and could become the dominant variant as it’s already ‘taking charge’.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Dr Topol said: “It’s going to take many weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave”.
Members of the public have been urged to start buying test kits to ensure they’re Covid free with these tests being both affordable and easily accessible.
Free rapid lateral flow tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been discontinued by the NHS after most Brits received their vaccinations.
Since then, the NHS stopped being the go-to source for dispensing these tests as pharmacists took their place.
According to Gov.uk, Covid tests can be purchased from shops and pharmacies including online.
“If you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatments, you may be able to pick up free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy,” adds the NHS.
Symptoms of Covid XEC include tiredness, aches, a cough or a sore throat or a high temperature.
UKHSA Deputy Director, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: “UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants 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 who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”
Experts recommend to also avoid close contact with people showing Covid symptoms and to practice regular hand hygiene.
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