New XEC COVID Variant Emerges in UK, Raising Hospitalisation Rates

Despite rising cases, health experts urge vaccination rather than alarm over the Omicron subvariant.

The XEC variant is a recombinant strain from the Omicron lineage, combining elements of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
Hospitalisation rates for COVID have increased to 4.5 per 100,000 people, with the North East of England seeing the highest rates.
Symptoms of the XEC variant mirror those of other COVID strains, including high temperature, tiredness, and sore throat.
The UK Health Security Agency advises maintaining up-to-date vaccinations to mitigate severe illness from XEC.
Eligible groups for COVID boosters include those over 65, vulnerable individuals, and frontline healthcare workers.