BRITONS are being warned to stay at home if they have cold symptoms as a new, more contagious strain of Covid spreads across the UK.
First detected in Germany in June, XEC has now been reported in several countries – and accounts for one in 10 Covid cases in England and Wales.
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Scientists believe the new bug may be more contagious than its predecessorsCredit: Getty
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dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UK’s Health Safety Agency, said: “If you are showing symptoms of flu or Covid-19 such as a high fever, cough, and feeling tired and unwell, try to limit contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable .”
As it stands, scientists believe the new bug is unlikely to be as deadly as some of its predecessors, but could be more contagious.
“Current information does not suggest that we should be more concerned about this variant, but we are monitoring it closely,” added Dr. Jamie.
It comes as experts fear Britons could face a ‘triple epidemic’ this winter as the NHS launches a mass vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, the latest figures from the UKHSA show that the number of hospital admissions in England due to Covid-19 continues to rise.
The admission rate of patients testing positive for Covid-19 was 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6, up from 3.7 a week earlier.
This is the fourth weekly increase in a row.
A year ago, entry was at a higher rate of 6.2 per 100,000 people, before falling in the following weeks – then peaking at 5.2 over Christmas.
During the first winter of the 2020/21 pandemic. rates went as high as 36.5 per 100,000.
Dr Jamie warned of a triple threat, from Covid, flu and RSV, which could take hold this winter.
What is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) or bronchiolitis?
“Covid-19 continues to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalizations in the last two weeks,” he said.
“As winter approaches, we expect both flu and RSV to circulate more, so if you’re eligible for vaccinations against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to get them and face the winter strong. “
For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, the NHS offers free Covid vaccinations.
Jabs have been updated to deal with recent variants, but not specifically for XEC, which evolved from earlier Omicron strains.
A new life-saving vaccine
The NHS is also offering for the first time a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, which can be dangerous for older people and young children.
The jab is available to people aged 75 to 79, as well as to 28-week pregnant women, to protect their baby.
dr. Conall Watson, from the UKHSA, said: “We are starting to see the expected seasonal rise in RSV, a common lung virus that can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants.
“RSV lung infections like bronchiolitis are the main reason why babies have to visit the Emergency Center or be admitted to the hospital every winter.
“The RSV vaccine for pregnant women is an important step in keeping babies healthy during the winter.
“If your baby has a cold that is getting worse, or is causing unusual breathing or feeding problems, call NHS 111 or contact your GP.
“As a parent, trust your judgment and if your baby appears to be seriously ill, go to the emergency room or call 911.”
GET YOUR SHOTS
Find out if you are entitled to a free flu, Covid and RSV vaccine on the NHS
FLU
The flu vaccination program started in September. Those who qualify for a free injection can get it from their doctor’s surgery, as well as from supermarkets such as Asda and popular pharmacies such as Boots.
If you are not in the eligible groups below and are entitled to a free vaccination, you can pay for a flu shot in certain shops.
- All children aged two and three
- All children in primary school and all children in school from 7 to 11 years old in high school
- Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health problems
- Those aged six months to under 65 in the clinical risk group
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 65 and over
- Unpaid carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised persons
- Health and social care staff on the front line
BOOK HERE
COVID
Covid-19 is still circulating and vaccination can reduce the severity of symptoms, how long you are sick, serious illness or death, and the transmission of other viruses.
Some people are offered the winter Covid vaccine. It may be offered to you if:
- They are 65 or older
- Are they pregnant?
- They are 6 months to 64 years old and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 due to a medical condition or treatment
- You live in a home for the elderly
BOOK HERE
RSV
From September, millions of people will be offered a new vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Babies are at risk of serious RSV infection and may require hospital admission, especially in the winter months.
Similarly, premature babies, adults over 75, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system are at greater risk.
The RSV vaccine is recommended if:
- You are pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to protect your baby after birth
- You are 75 to 79 years old
If you turned 80 on or after September 1, 2024, you are eligible for the RSV vaccine until August 31, 2025. You are not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 before September 1, 2024.
Pregnant women should be offered the RSV vaccine around 28 weeks before delivery.
People aged 75 to 79 will be contacted by their GP either by letter, text, phone call or email. The NHS says to wait to be contacted before booking a vaccination.
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Source: HIS Education