Latest Covid symptoms explained as new XEC variant sweeps the UK in September spike

Covid is spreading across the UK again - but this time the symptoms might be different to what you remember.

The new XEC strain started in Europe but has now spread to Britain and across the globe, with research suggesting it is transmitted more easily than previous types. Scientists say it is a recombinant variant, meaning it is created from two previously existing strains which someone may have caught at the same time. First detected in Germany last month, XEC is a genetic offshoot of omicron, a highly transmissible Covid-19 variant that became dominant after it first emerged in South Africa in 2021.

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What are the symptoms of XEC Covid?

XEC shares many of the same characteristics as other omicron subvariants, such as spreading easily and causing less severe disease than the earliest SARS-CoV-2 strains. This means that the symptoms may be different to what you remember from previous years.

Omicron variants present symptoms similar to those of a typical cold and flu. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• High fever
• Persistent cough
• Loss of taste or smell
• Feelings of fatigue or exhaustion
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea

While most people will fully recover within three weeks, Covid infections can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation in medically vulnerable people. Others may find their recovery takes a little longer, and it's not unusual to feel worse again after you first start to feel a bit better.

How do I protect myself from Covid?

You should take the same precautions against the newest variant as for previous years. If you're in a medically at-risk group, are pregnant, or aged over 65, you should be eligible for a free vaccine on the NHS from October 3. You can now also pay to have the vaccine privately at some pharmacies if you're not in one of these groups.

Vaccines remain the best defence against serious illness, hospitalisation, and even death, even if they may not completely prevent infection. They also target the omicron subvariant, meaning they are expected to be effective against XEC. If you're vulnerable to the virus or share a home with someone who is, wearing a face mask can offer some protection, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Boosting indoor ventilation where possible can further reduce the risk of falling ill.

How do I get a test?

You can buy lateral flow tests from your local chemist or online. You may be eligible for free tests if you:

• Have a health condition which means you're eligible for NHS Covid-19 treatment
• Work in healthcare settings or in a hospice

What should I do if I get Covid?

According to the NHS, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days after a positive test if you are 18 years old or over. You should also avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after a positive test. For children and under-18s who are recommended to take a Covid test by a health professional and test positive, the advice is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days.