What is the new XEC COVID variant and what can you do to avoid it?

Kate Ng
Senior man sitting on sofa at home and holding hand on chest. Male having asthma attack, difficulties with breathe, feeling severe pain or dyspnea�
A new COVID variant that could be more contagious has emerged. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

A new COVID variant has begun spreading across parts of Europe, including the UK, and scientists say it could become the dominant type this winter.

The variant, called XEC, was first detected in Germany in June, but has since been found in 13 other countries.

Experts are concerned that this new variant has mutations that might help it be more contagious. However, vaccines can still help prevent severe cases and the NHS is offering free booster shots for vulnerable populations who are at risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has not yet released data on how many people have contracted the XEC variant in the UK, but said it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, told the BBC: "It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time.

"UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging COVID variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.

"Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine."

Getty
Washing your hands with soap and water regularly is important to avoid catching and spreading disease. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

While the early pandemic days of lockdowns and isolation are hopefully a thing of the past, there are a number of measures you can take to avoid catching and spreading COVID.

COVID-19 spreads easily through close contact with people who are infected with the virus. You are more likely to catch it indoors and in crowded places, which, as the colder weather draws in, become more common scenarios.

In order to reduce your risk of COVID-19, the NHS recommends:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly

  • Use hand sanitiser regularly

  • Open windows and doors if meeting people inside

  • Stay at least two metres away from people, particularly when indoors or in crowded places

  • Wear a face covering when it’s hard to stay away from other people

Working from home can also reduce the risk of catching COVID-19. You can also speak to your employer about how they can help reduce your risk at work.

There are also things you can do to avoid passing COVID-19 on to other people. These include:

  • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

  • Regularly cleaning surfaces you touch often (like door handles and remote controls)

  • Staying away from other people if you have symptoms or test positive

  • Avoiding indoor or crowded places, including public transport or large gatherings

  • Wearing a face covering

The symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to previous variants of COVID-19, including:

  • Fever

  • Sore throat

  • Headaches

  • Cough

  • Loss of sense of smell

  • Loss of appetite

  • Body aches

Scientists have expressed concern that the XEC variant could become a challenge this winter. However, Dr Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, told the LA Times that it could take "many weeks, a couple of months, before it really starts to take hold and starts to cause a wave".

Meanwhile, Professor Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that it is possible for XEC to become the dominant subvariant over the winter.

However, despite XEC having a "slight transmission advantage" over other recent variants, vaccines should still offer good protection.

People across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who are eligible for a free Autumn Booster COVID vaccine include:

  • Adults aged 65 and over

  • Adults living in a care home for older adults

  • Anyone between the ages of six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group

  • Frontline NHS, care home and social care workers

The UKHSA said: "Current vaccines provide good protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. UKHSA surveillance data relating to last autumn’s programme shows that those who received a vaccine were around 45% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 from 2 weeks following vaccination, compared to those who remained unvaccinated."

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