Covid XEC Variant: Symptoms, Order of Appearance, and Rising Hospitalisations in the UK

The Covid XEC variant, a recombinant of two Omicron strains (KS.1.1 and KP.3.3), has been gaining prominence in the UK, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting that it now accounts for around one in ten Covid cases. This variant, first identified in Germany in June, has also been detected in the US, Denmark, and other countries.

The symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to those of other Covid strains and include a high temperature, aches, tiredness, a cough, or a sore throat. However, recent research suggests that these symptoms may appear in a specific order. According to a study from the University of Southern California (USC), the first symptom is typically a fever, followed by a cough, sore throat, muscle pain or headache, and then nausea or vomiting.

This order of symptom appearance can help doctors differentiate between Covid-19 and other illnesses like the flu, which often begins with a triad of symptoms including back pain, chills, and a dry cough. Knowing the sequence of symptoms can aid in making better treatment decisions.

Despite the symptoms being similar to previous strains, hospitalisations due to Covid have surged, particularly among the elderly population. The UKHSA has reported an increase in hospital admissions, with rates jumping to 4.55 per 100,000, up from 3.72 per 100,000 in the previous week. The North East region is experiencing the highest hospital admission rates, with those aged 85 and older facing a significant surge.

Health authorities are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated against Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as winter approaches. The NHS is offering the latest Covid-19 booster vaccination, this year’s flu jab, and for the first time, a vaccination against RSV, which is particularly important for older people and young children).