Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 16, 2024 1 day, 16 hours, 47 minutes ago
Medical News: COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United Kingdom (UK) are rising sharply as a new variant, known as XEC, makes its way through the population. This
Medical News report explores the details of this alarming trend, including the symptoms associated with this new variant and how people can protect themselves.
Surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations as new variant XEC spreads across the UK
Rising Hospitalization Rates
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a significant increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions, with rates now reaching 4.5 per 100,000 people, up from 3.7 just a week prior.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-report-published
The North East region is experiencing the highest admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000. Alarmingly, older adults, particularly those aged 85 and above, are seeing even steeper rates, with 52.48 hospitalizations per 100,000.
This increase in hospitalizations comes as the XEC variant spreads, which was first detected in Germany in June and has since appeared in countries such as the United States and Denmark. Experts are urging people to remain vigilant as this strain could lead to more severe illness in vulnerable populations.
What Is the XEC Variant?
The XEC variant is a recombinant strain, meaning it combines elements of two existing variants - KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. It has mutations that enhance its ability to attach to human cells, which raises concerns among health authorities. However, as a sub-family of the Omicron lineage, experts believe that staying up to date with vaccinations and booster shots will provide adequate protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
The symptoms of the XEC variant closely resemble those of earlier COVID-19 strains. The most common symptoms reported include:
-High temperature
-Aches and pains
-Fatigue
-Cough or sore throat
Most individuals will recover within a few weeks, but some may experience lingering symptoms.
The Order of Symptoms: A New Insight
Researchers have suggested that the XEC variant may present symptoms in a specific order. Understanding the sequence of symptoms can help individuals recognize when they might be dealing with Covid-19 versus a common cold or flu. According to a 2020 study from the University of Southern California, COVID-19 symptoms typically emerge in the following order:
-Fever
-Cough
-Sore throat, muscle pain, or headache
-Nausea or vomiting
-Diarrhea
This order differs from seasonal flu, which often starts with a cough or muscle pain. Recognizing these differences can aid healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively.
New
er XEC spawns could be driving disease severity
There are some speculations arising among certain researchers and doctors that some of the newer XEC spawns are spotting worrisome mutations and that these newer strains could be driving disease severity and hospitalizations. There is no valid supporting data for these claims so far but the XEC variant is indeed spawning many newer sub-lineages and some are indeed looking worrisome such as one spotted sub-lineage - i.e. XEC.2 with a NSP5 mutation V73F.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-sars-cov-2-xec-2-strain-with-nsp5-mutation-v73f-detected-in-17-countries-could-be-a-potential-winter-threat
Taking Precautions Against the XEC Variant
With the rise of the XEC variant, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals maintain good hygiene practices and focus on ensuring clean air in shared spaces. These measures include regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and improving ventilation in homes and public places.
Additionally, health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations. Staying up to date with Covid-19 vaccines and receiving booster shots can help reduce the risk of severe illness and complications associated with the virus.
Monitoring the Situation
As the UKHSA continues to track the spread of the XEC variant, researchers are calling for close monitoring to better understand its symptoms and impact on public health. While there are currently no indications that this variant causes more severe illness than previous strains, vigilance remains crucial.
The rise in hospitalizations, especially among the elderly, underscores the importance of timely medical care and awareness of the variant's symptoms. Public health officials are urging everyone to remain alert and seek medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms listed.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared
As COVID-19 continues to evolve with new variants like XEC, it is essential for everyone to stay informed about the situation. While the symptoms of this variant are similar to those seen before, the rise in hospitalizations, particularly among older adults, should serve as a wake-up call. Practicing good hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, and being aware of the symptom order can significantly impact personal and community health.
Healthcare providers and researchers are working diligently to understand and combat this variant, but public cooperation is equally important. By remaining vigilant and proactive, we can help slow the spread of Covid-19 and protect ourselves and our loved ones.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/xec-variant-driving-new-covid-19-surge-in-new-zealand-with-886-new-cases-89-hospitalizations-and-6-deaths-in-the-last-7-days
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-positivity-rate-rises-to-11-8-percent-across-the-united-kingdom-as-xec-variant-starts-its-autumn-rampage
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/the-sars-cov-2-variants-that-could-drive-the-fall-winter-wave-xec-xed-mb-1-1-mw-1-and-xdv-1-1
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