We don’t have to remind you. When you think about the year 2020 there is one thing that comes to mind, and although the lockdowns are over and Covid feels more like a bad dream than a day-to-day threat, it never really went away. Doctors reckon it’s going to rear its head every winter with a new strain, and the best thing you can do is stay aware of what’s currently going around, and what the most up to date medical advice is regarding it.
This year, Covid’s comeback is in the form of ‘XEC’, which sounds scarier than it is. It is slightly more contagious than previous variants, due to having multiple mutations, which means that it is probably going to spread around the UK quite quickly. Other than that, experts don’t think there’s any reason to be more concerned about this than any previous strain.
Here’s everything you might want to know about the new strain of Covid to keep yourself and any vulnerable loved ones safe.
What are the symptoms of Covid XEC?
The main things to watch out for are pretty much the same as the classic ‘flu-like’ symptoms we all became familiar with back in 2020. As a refresher, you’re looking for:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose.
Can I get vaccinated?
The NHS is only offering vaccines to those in high risk groups such as over 65s and frontline healthcare workers this year. If you are in one of the following groups you are eligible for the jab:
- aged 65 or over
- pregnant
- aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
You can book an appointment to get vaccinated here. If you’re not one of those groups you won’t be eligible for the covid vaccine, but you can get a regular flu jab, which you can learn about here.
What should I do if I test positive?
There’s no longer any legal requirements for you if you discover you have caught the virus, although the NHS does still recommend you avoid people as far as possible for at least five days, and avoid vulnerable people for at least ten days. If you do have to go out, the classic tactics of wearing a mask and maintaining two metres of distance where possible can help decrease your chances of passing it on.
If you have covid and your symptoms get worse instead of better after five days, call 111. You can read more about how best to deal with the illness on the NHS’ website here.
Keeping up to date
There are plenty of good things going on in the UK to take your mind off the new covid strain, including a huge supermoon which we will be able to see this October, a brand new flavour at Nando's, and the rennaisance of Wilko.
Did you see that British Airways is cancelling hundreds of long-haul flights from the UK?
Plus: The outrageous cheating scandal at this year’s World Conker Championships, explained.
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