(File image) Healthcare workers are being vaccinated as more cases of the new variant emerge (Image: Getty )
A new variant of Covid is rearing its ugly head and causing is combining with dropping immunity to create a potential perfect storm this winter.
Government data released today (Thurs) shows infections have soared by 30 percent over a week and the number of hospital patients in England testing positive for the disease has risen from 9.1 percent to 11.8 percent.
The highest admission rate has been in the north east of England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Professor Lawrence Young told the i Paper: “It’s very likely that we will see a new wave of infection over the autumn and winter.
“The emergence of new virus variants along with the finding that many people, including those who were eligible for previous booster jabs, have gone without being vaccinated does not bode well for the spread of infection over the winter months.”
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The new variant has already been detected in hospitals in the UK (Image: Getty )
The symptoms of XEC follow a similar pattern to previous strains, and include sore throat, high temperature, aches and tiredness, as well as in extreme cases, difficulty breathing.
Scientists say the variant, is particularly transmissible with more than 600 cases reported so far. And the UK is now among the countries most affected by XEC having detected more than 80 cases.
Prof Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told News that although XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other recent variants, vaccines should still offer good protection.
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Covid variants have been active across the world since the pandemic (Image: Getty )
Free vaccnines are available for certain groups, including the over 65s.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time.
“UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.
“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from -19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”
Vaccines are also available from High Street chemists and private medical clinics, and costs can vary between £45 to £99.
Who qualifies for a free booster vaccine? source: UKHSA
- People qualifying for a free booster vaccine include:
- adults aged 65 years and over
- those living in a care home for older adults
- those over the age of six months in a clinical risk group
- some front-line NHS, care home and social care workers