Overview

• 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.