BRITS have been warned to stay home if they have symptoms of a cold as a new more contagious Covid strain spreads across the UK.
First detected in Germany in June, XEC has now been reported in several countries - and makes up one in 10 Covid cases in England and Wales.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, from the UK Health Security Agency, said: " 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."
As it stands, scientists believe the fresh bug is not likely to be as deadly as some of its predecessors, but could be more contagious.
"Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely," Dr Jamie added.
It comes as experts fear Brits may face a 'tripledemic' this winter, as the NHS rolls out a mass vaccine drive.
Meanwhile, the latest data from the UKHSA shows Covid-19 hospital admissions in England are continuing to rise.
The admission rate for patients testing positive for Covid-19 stood at 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6, up from 3.7 a week earlier.
It is the fourth weekly rise in a row.
A year ago, admissions stood at the higher rate of 6.2 per 100,000 people, before falling in subsequent weeks – then peaking at 5.2 over Christmas.
During the first winter of the pandemic in 2020/21, rates climbed as high as 36.5 per 100,000.
Dr Jamie warned of the triple threat, of Covid, flu and RSV, which could hit this winter.
“Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks," he said.
“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."
For those more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, the NHS offers a free Covid booster shot.
Jabs have been updated to tackle recent variants, though not specifically for XEC, which evolved from earlier Omicron strains.
The NHS is also offering for the first time a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, which can be dangerous to older people and young children.
The jab is available to people aged 75 to 79 as well as pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Dr Conall Watson, of the UKHSA, said: “We are starting to see the expected seasonal rise in RSV, a common lung virus which can cause pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.
“RSV lung infections like bronchiolitis are a major cause of babies needing to visit A&E or be admitted to hospital each winter.
“The RSV vaccine for pregnant mums is an important step in keeping babies well through winter.
“If your baby has a cold that is getting worse, or it is causing unusual breathing or problems feeding, call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice.
"As a parent trust your judgement and if your baby seems seriously unwell go to A&E or call 999.”
Find out if you are eligible to get vaccines against flu, Covid and RSV for free on the NHS
FLU
The flu vaccination programme started in September. Those eligible for a free jab can get one at their doctor's surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots.
If you're not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores.
COVID
Covid-19 is still circulating and getting the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms, how long you are sick for, serious disease or death and picking up other viruses.
Some people are offered a winter Covid vaccine. You may be offered one if you:
RSV
As of September, millions of people will be offered a new vaccine to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Babies are at risk of severe infection with RSV and can need admission to hospital, particularly in the winter months.
Similarly, premature babies, adults over 75, people with heart and lung disease or anyone with a weak immune system is at greater risk.
The RSV vaccine is recommended if:
If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025. You're not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 before 1 September 2024.
Pregnant women should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of their 28-week antenatal appointment.
People aged 75 to 79 will be contacted by their GP surgery either by letter, text, phone call or email. The NHS says to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.
