A NEW Covid-19 variant that is “more transmissible” than previous strains has been spreading throughout Europe.
The new XEC variant, which was first detected in Germany, has now been identified in over 20 countries.
There is believed to be around 600 confirmed cases worldwide.
As of September 18 Germany has the highest number of infections in European with the UK following close behind.
The new strain is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants and while it has not yet been detected in Ireland, there are concerns over a winter surge in cases.
While the variant may be more easily transmitted, it usually causes a less severe infection than previous strains we have seen.
And experts believe current vaccines will be effective on the new strain.
Symptoms of the virus are very similar to the well-known Covid-19 symptoms.
If you are infected with the XEC Covid-19 strain you will experience symptoms such as a temperature, cough or changes to taste and smell.
You may also experience body aches, a sore throat, shortness of breath or fatigue.
Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, in California, Eric Topol has warned that the virus is “only getting started”.
He told The LA Times: “And that’s going to take many weeks, a couple 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.”
The advice for the new variant remains the same as the current guidelines on Covid-19.
The HSE advise those who test positive for the variant should stay at home for five days and avoid contact with other people, “especially people at higher risk” from Covid-19.
BOOSTER JABS
High risk people include very young children, the elderly, people receiving cancer treatment, people with some chronic illnesses or conditions that impact the lungs.
Autumn/Winter Covid-19 boosters are set to be made available for specific groups in the near future.
These include those aged 60 and older or those age 18 to 59 living in a long-term care facility.
The booster will also be offered to those age six months to 59 years with a weak immune system and people aged six months to 59 years with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness.
Covid-19 symptoms
There are many symptoms that could indicate you are suffering from Covid-19.
Some of these symptoms can be signs of a common cold or flu but it is best to exercise caution until you are sure you have not contracted Covid-19.
The main symptoms outlined by the HSE are:
- fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above) – including having chills
- dry cough
- fatigue
The less common symptoms include:
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- nasal congestion
- conjunctivitis
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- different types of skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills or dizziness
Severe symptoms include:
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss of appetite
- confusion
- pain or pressure in the chest
- fever
You should stay home until 48 hours after your symptoms are gone if you do have Covid-19 symptoms or stay home for five days if you test positive.
You can make contact with your GP if you feel very unwell or if you have an underlying condition that puts you more at risk.
Healthcare workers and those who are pregnant will also be offered a booster.
You can request a booster from your GP if you are not in one of these categories but would like to avail of a booster shot.
While the new XEC variant has not reached Ireland, there are still a number of Covid-19 cases that have been detected in the country.
According to figures provided to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on September 14, 2024 there were 457 cases recorded the week previous.
There were 179 hospitalisations for that same period and while there were no ICU admissions there was one death.
