Symptoms are thought to be the same cold or flu-like ones as before:
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a high temperature
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aches
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tiredness
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a cough or sore throat
Most people feel better within a few weeks of Covid but it can take longer to recover.
There has been “strong growth” of XEC in Denmark and Germany, Covid data analyst Mike Honey says on X, external.
There is far less routine testing than before, making it difficult to know how much Covid might be around.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.
People qualifying for a free booster vaccine include:
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adults aged 65 years and over
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those living in a care home for older adults
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those over the age of six months in a clinical risk group
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some front-line NHS, care-home and social-care workers
The main vaccination drive for flu and Covid, external will start in October, although some may receive their shots earlier.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.
“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”
