Have your say! Are you worried about the new Covid variant?

A GP has described the latest Covid variant, XEC, as more severe than some of its predecessors, saying it is more like flu with more intense symptoms and can spread rapidly

A GP has raised concerns about a new Covid variant that is rapidly spreading across the UK, warning it "wipes you out".

Dr Helen Wall, a General Practitioner, has spoken out about the latest strain, XEC, which she says is more severe than some previous variants, comparing it to flu but with more intense symptoms.

Dr Wall, who is also the clinical director of population health in Greater Manchester, has noted that the XEC coronavirus variant is quickly becoming widespread globally and is on track to be the dominant strain.

Have your say! Are you worried about the new Covid variant? Let us know in the comments below.

In a conversation with the MEN, Dr Wall pointed out an increase in respiratory infections coinciding with the rise of the new variant. She cautioned: "We do see generally a rise in respiratory infections this time of year. There is another Covid variant on the scene which is expected to become the most dominant, and is becoming more prevalent like all the variants before it."

"We don't completely know if it makes it more or less transmissible, I suspect more because they always are. But we don't know what the situation is."

The XEC variant is known as a recombinant, arising when two strains combine, possibly within an individual infected with both simultaneously. This specific variant is a mix of the KP, reports the Mirror.

3.3 and KS. 1.1 strains and shares genetic links with omicron, the highly infectious yet milder variant first identified in South Africa in 2021.

Experts are flagging that "XEC appears to have a growth advantage and is spreading faster than other circulating variants, suggesting it will become the dominant variant globally in the next few months".

A GP from Bolton has noted that the recent coronavirus cases appear more flu-like compared to previous variants. She pointed out that currently, "We could well be seeing the new Covid variant in practice. At the moment, it seems to be a bit more flu-like than previous iterations of Covid, with a high temperature, a cough, aching body, and headache."

She went on to say "Some of the symptoms in the past were more cough and cold symptoms, but at the moment, Covid does seem to be wiping people out. But whether that is Covid is really difficult to say because a lot of the symptoms blur together with other illnesses that are prevalent at this time of year."

On distinguishing between Covid-19 and influenza, she explained: "Whether it's Covid versus flu is hard to separate. People who have the flu tend to be extremely unwell. Sometimes, people say they've got the flu but have actually got a bad cold. Generally, if you've got true flu, you're bed bound. With Covid, you might actually be quite well. You might be coughing and having other symptoms, but able to go about your business and you might be unintentionally spreading it to people who are vulnerable."

NHS doctors are championing vaccinations amidst concerns about a "tripledemic" of winter illnesses, with the health service launching an arsenal that includes a new jab against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in addition to the Covid and flu vaccines.

Acknowledging the weariness some feel towards vaccines due to side effects such as aches and soreness, one NHS doctor stressed the greater risks associated with not getting vaccinated. She said: "Three vaccines is a lot, and some people might think it's just another thing to worry about, or get the new RSV jab but then not get the Covid and flu jabs too."

Understanding the balancing act many face with their jobs during tough financial times, she emphasised: "The difficulty is that people are working, there's a cost-of-living crisis people don't want to be off work to get a vaccine or if they're feeling a little unwell because of any side effects. But I'd encourage people to keep in mind the bigger picture."

To alleviate concerns, she reassured: "Most vaccine side effects go within a few hours to 24 hours, around half of the people who get a vaccine won't get side effects at all. If you get any of these illnesses, you'll be off work for much longer."

In a plea to those who qualify, she implored: "If you've been deemed eligible for these vaccines, it's because we think you're going to be very ill if you get these and end up in hospital. It's about keeping that in perspective, you don't want to look back and wish you'd had the jabs."

Have your say! Are you worried about the new Covid variant? Let us know in the comments below.