The new Covid XEC variant has been detected in the UK as it continues to spread across the world.

The new Covid variant was first detected in Germany earlier this year and has now been identified in 29 different countries.

The new strain is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants.

Doctor Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, said Covid XEC was "just getting started" and was "definitely taking charge" as the dominant variant.

Cases of Covid XEC are on the rise.Cases of Covid XEC are on the rise worldwide. (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) Dr Topol, speaking to the Los Angeles Times, said: "(It's) going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave."

World Health Organisation monitoring Covid XEC

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its most recent COVID-19 epidemiological update, released on October 9, said it has now begun monitoring the new XEC variant.

The update reads: "WHO is currently tracking several SARS-CoV-2 variants; two variants of interest (VOIs): BA.2.86 and JN.1; and seven variants under monitoring (VUMs): JN.1.7, JN.1.18, KP.2, KP.3, KP.3.1.1, LB.1, and XEC.

"As of 24 September 2024, a new variant named XEC, which is a recombinant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, has been classified as a VUM."

The WHO added that while most Covid variants were declining, XEC was "showing increasing prevalence globally".

Where has Covid XEC been detected?

Covid XEC was first detected in Germany earlier this year and has now been identified in 29 different countries around the world, according to The Mirror.

These countries, according to the news outlet, include:

  • UK
  • France
  • Denmark
  • US

Covid XEC in the UK

Covid XEC accounted for 9.35% of reported Covid cases sampled by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) between September 2 and 15.

This was the second highest detected variant behind only KP.3.1.1 (59.35%).

Leading Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, speaking to The Mirror said: "Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks.

"Our surveillance shows where Covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the 'XEC' lineage.

“We understand people may be concerned about new variants.

"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."

What are the symptoms of Covid XEC?

Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid XEC.

However, it is believed to have the same symptoms as other COVID-19 variants, which are very similar to other illness like colds and flus.

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

The latest Covid symptoms, according to the NHS, are:

  • High temperature or shivering (chills)
  • New, continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)
  • Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling tired or exhausted
  • Aching body
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick or being sick

The NHS added: "Most people feel better within a few weeks, but it can take longer to recover.

"For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer."

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How to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants

There are COVID-19 vaccines available in the UK, and everyone eligible is being encouraged to get one to help protect themselves this winter.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “With new figures showing thousands of deaths associated with Covid and flu in recent years, it is clear that the threat of winter viruses is all too real, and it is vital that anyone eligible takes up the offer to get vaccinated."

Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.