A stark warning has been issued about the newest super infectious Covid-19 variant.
The new XEC strain is behind roughly one in every 10 Covid-19 infections gripping the UK, and initial uncovering in Germany shows it's been found in 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America—our global case tally's topped 600, Gloucestershire Live reports. This particular variant’s a wily little bugger due to a hatful of mutations making it extremely catchy, fuelling beliefs amongst boffins that it’s poised to become the big boss strain soon enough.
Meanwhile, the health bods have issued a heads-up that hospital stays owing to Covid-19 have gone up slightly these last few weeks, prompting a reminder to get jabbed with the winter booster vaccine. The HSE isn’t messing about, cracking on with its Winter vaccination programme.
Read more: Six common symptoms of long Covid to watch out for and how to treat it
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If you’re clocking in at 60 plus years old, a healthcare worker or pregnant—or if you have a long-term health condition—it is recommended you get both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, Doctor Jamie Lopez Bernal, has issued fair warning: "Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks. ” And with Jack Frost eyeballing us, it’s no time to dawdle as flu and RSV gear up to crash the party.
“As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you're eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong. ", reports the Irish Mirror.
"We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where Covid cases are sequenced, around one in 10 are the 'XEC' lineage."
"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."
Although it is no longer mandatory to self-isolate with Covid-19, you should try to avoid contact with others where possible if you experience symptoms. Dr Lopez Bernal added: "If you are showing symptoms of flu or Covid-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable."
Symptoms of the Covid-19 variant include:
A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sickFor all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
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