Symptoms to look for you might not realise are actually Covid XEC

Covid symptoms
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


The NHS is warning of the threat of a ‘tripledemic’ this winter as Covid, flu and RSV viruses circulate the UK.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show that Covid cases are steadily on the rise, with a recent increase in hospitalisations, while flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are circulating at the same time.

Health chiefs are now warning it is “vital” for people to get vaccinated against Covid and flu as “the threat of winter viruses is all too real”.

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Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “With new figures showing thousands of deaths associated with Covid and flu in recent years, it is clear that the threat of winter viruses is all too real, and it is vital that anyone eligible takes up the offer to get vaccinated.

“There are many slots still available with GP practices, pharmacies and other NHS teams offering quick and easy appointments, so if you have not booked yet then please do using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”

The recent rise in Covid cases comes after a new variant, known as XEC, has been detected in the UK. The variant is understood to have some new mutations which may help it spread, but experts say vaccinations will help to protect against severe disease. It is feared that XEC could become the dominant strain of Covid this winter, with around one in 10 cases currently of the ‘XEC’ lineage.

But symptoms of Covid can be difficult to spot as they are very similar to symptoms of other winter illnesses, such as colds and flu. The XEC variant is said to have the same symptoms as other Covid variants, with the NHS listing the following as the key signs to look for:

  • a high temperature or shivering (chills)

  • 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

  • loss of appetite

  • diarrhoea

  • feeling sick or being sick

The NHS advises that you stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have any of these symptoms and a high temperature. You can go back to your normal activities once you feel better and no longer have a high temperature. In most cases this should be within a few days.

All adults aged 65 and over are also eligible to get a Covid booster vaccination and a flu jab, as well as people who live in older adult care homes and people with underlying health conditions aged between six months and 64 years.