October 12th 2024.
The number of people needing hospital care for Covid-19 in England is on the rise, and experts are concerned about the emergence of yet another new variant. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that the admission rate for patients who have tested positive for the virus has increased to 4.5 per 100,000 people from 3.7 the previous week. This marks the fourth consecutive week of rising hospital admissions.
This concerning trend is occurring amidst a global surge in cases of a new strain known as XEC. While the UKHSA has assured that there is no evidence to suggest this variant is more dangerous, they are closely monitoring its spread. So, what exactly is this new strain and where did it come from?
The XEC variant, which is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, was first identified in Germany back in June. Since then, it has been detected in at least 29 countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark. According to Covid data analyst Mike Honey, it is spreading quite rapidly across Europe, North America, and Asia. Researchers have predicted that it could become the dominant strain in a matter of weeks to months.
So, what are the symptoms of the XEC strain? Similar to previous variants, it presents with cold and flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, aches, tiredness, and a cough or sore throat. As with Covid in general, most people tend to feel better within a few weeks, but for some, it can take longer.
Despite the concerns about this new strain, Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of UKHSA, reminds us that it is normal for viruses to change over time. The UKHSA is continuously monitoring all available information about emerging Covid variants, both in the UK and internationally, and regularly publishing their findings. However, they stress that the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19 is vaccination.
Currently, about one in 10 sequenced Covid cases in the UK are of the XEC lineage, according to Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA. While the data does not suggest that we should be more concerned about this variant, it is being closely monitored. The most important thing for eligible individuals to do is to get their vaccination as soon as possible.
In fact, the NHS is now offering a vaccination for both the latest Covid-19 booster and this year's flu shot to all adults aged 65 and over, as well as residents in older adult care homes and people with underlying health conditions aged six months to 64 years. Frontline health and social care staff, as well as employees in older adult care homes, are also eligible for the Covid-19 jab.
As we approach winter, Dr. Lopez Bernal urges eligible individuals to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV, a common cause of coughs and colds, can be dangerous for older individuals and young children. The jab is now available for pregnant women from 28 weeks and those aged 75 to 79 to protect their child.
In the most recent week, the hospital admission rate for flu in England was 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.1 this time last year. Last winter, flu admissions peaked at 7.5 per 100,000 people in late January. To combat this, the NHS is now offering, for the first time, a vaccination against RSV to protect babies from severe lung infections like bronchiolitis, which can lead to hospitalization. Dr. Conall Watson of the UKHSA urges parents to trust their judgement and seek medical advice if their baby's cold is worsening or causing breathing difficulties. As always, if a baby seems seriously unwell, it is important to go to A&E or call 999.
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