Brits who test positive for Covid have been given advice to follow by the NHS such as self isolating for several days, as new strain XEC continues to spread through the country
Brits who test positive for Covid have been urged to self isolate for five days as cases of the XEC variant continue to rise in the UK.
The XEC variant was first detected in June, in Germany, and has already spread to the US, Denmark, and at least 25 others. Its symptoms include headaches, sore throat and a high temperature.
It comes as the number of hospitalisations has risen to 4.55 per 100,000, a rise from the rate of 3.72 per 100,000 the previous week. The North East of England is experiencing the highest hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000.
For those displaying Covid symptoms, the NHS suggests staying at home and limiting contact with others, even if they have not tested positive. The advice reads: “If you or your child have tested positive for COVID-19 try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults
“Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over and avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test You are no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.”
People who fear they are positive, or have shown a positive test are advised to get lots of rest, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, leading Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks. Our surveillance shows where covid cases are sequenced, around 1 in 10 are the ‘XEC’ lineage.
“As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too. if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.
“We understand people may be concerned about new variants”Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely. The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination as soon as possible if you’re eligible.”
