New XEC Covid variant sweeping Europe 'just getting started' - list of symptoms

A new Covid strain is reported to be spreading across Europe and has been branded "more contagious" than some previous variants.

The XEC variant - which derives from Omicron - could soon become the dominant strain across the continent according to experts.

In a post on X, Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, warned: "At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next".

"XEC is definitely taking charge," Dr Topol added.

He went on to the say that the strain is "just getting started now around the world and here [California]."

Speaking to the LA Times, the expert added: "And that's going to take many weeks, a couple months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave.

The strain was first discovered in Germany on June 15 and it is feared the colder weather will lead to a marked increase in cases.

The symptoms are that of a typical cold and flu.

They include:

- Shortness of breath

- High fever

- Persistent cough

- Loss of taste or smell

- A fatigued or exhausted feeling.