Brits are being urged to have their booster jabs as a new Covid strain known as XEC starts spreading across the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in infections, mainly among the elderly population. They also say the spread is being ‘monitored closely’.
Are people still falling for this?
MSN reports: The North East is experiencing the highest hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000, whilst those aged 85 and older face an alarming surge, reaching 52.48 per 100,000.
As winter approaches, experts are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated against Covid-19, flu, and RSV to protect themselves and others from these seasonal threats.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Dr Bernal emphasised the importance of limiting contact when unwell: “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.”
While isolation rules are no longer mandatory, health officials advise staying at home for five days after a positive test. Those at higher risk should be avoided for ten days.