NHS issues key advice as new Covid strain XEC spreads across UK

The NHS has made an appeal to the British public to combat the spread of Covid as experts warn that a new highly transmissible variant is likely to become the predominant strain. The XEC variant, with its origins traceable to Germany, is feared to potentially cause a surge in winter cases.

Already present in 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, the global case count exceeds 600, including 82 confirmed instances within the UK.

According to scientists, the XEC variant possesses mutations that may facilitate its dissemination this autumn. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, expressed concerns to the LA Times about the emergent strain: "XEC is just getting started.

READ MORE: What it's really like to have Covid right now as 'distinctive' XEC variant symptoms spread

"And that's going to take many weeks, a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave. XEC is definitely taking charge. That does appear to be the next variant. But it's months off from getting into high levels."

Despite the alarm over the new variant, there's a silver lining: current vaccines are expected to retain effectiveness against severe illness. Professor Francois Balloux, of University College London's Genetics Institute, provided some assurance to the BBC, saying that while XEC might have a "slight transmission advantage", vaccinations should still offer robust protection, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Amidst these developments, the NHS has stressed the importance of staying home and limiting contact with others if you or your child shows symptoms of Covid, combined with either:.

"You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature," the NHS advises. "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."

Self-isolation rules are no longer mandatory in the UK, now only serving as guidance. Previously, the NHS recommended staying away from others for at least five days after symptoms begin - or 10 days when around those who are vulnerable.

But what should you be on the lookout for?

Symptoms of XEC are said to mirror previous cold or flu-like symptoms, including:

• Have a high temperature
• Do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities.
• 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
• 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
• Shortness of breath
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

While self-isolation is no longer mandated in the UK, the NHS still suggests staying home and avoiding contact with others if you're symptomatic.

Eligible groups for an NHS Covid booster from October 3 to December 20 are:.

• Over-64s
• People aged between six months and 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
• People living in care homes for older people
• Frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older people.

Those eligible will be contacted by the NHS, but appointments can also be made through the NHS App, GPs, pharmacies, drop-in clinics, or by calling 119.