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A new variant of Covid emerging in Britain is spreading as cases rapidly increase, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

The strain, called XEC, is a combination of variants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Figures from the UKHSA show that the admission rate of patients testing positive for the new strain rose to 4.5 per 100,000 people in the week to October 6. This was an increase from 3.7 a week earlier.

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Although self-isolation is no longer a legal requirement in Britain, the NHS has advised anyone who tests positive for Covid to avoid contact with others for at least five days.

It is also recommended to avoid contact with vulnerable people for 10 days to reduce the risk to them. As a general rule, anyone with symptoms is advised to at least wait until they subside before returning to their normal activities.

Here’s what you need to know about the new Covid XEC strain:

What are Covid XEC Symptoms?

The XEC strain shows similar cold and flu-like symptoms as previous variants.

They include:

How to get vaccinated

The NHS has started offering Covid boosters to the most vulnerable in the autumn. The following groups can receive an NHS Covid booster between October 3 and December 20:

Those who are eligible for the jab can also make an appointment themselves via the NHS App, externally, GPs, pharmacies, walk-in clinics, externally or by calling 119, externally.