A new Covid-19 variant is spreading rapidly and experts have warned that it’s “just getting started”.

The XEC strain, which is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, was first detected in Germany in June but has now spread to 15 countries across three continents.

The main symptoms of XEC are similar to previous variants of Covid-19 and common illnesses such as colds and flu. While most people will feel better within a few weeks, others can take longer to recover.

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According to the NHS, some of the most common symptoms of the XEC variant include a high temperature, continuous cough, and changes to your sense of taste or smell.

Patients may also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, or a runny nose. Some may also lose their appetite and experience diarrhoea.

Experts have yet to establish whether the XEC variant is likely to be more severe than previous Covid-19 iterations. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, told the Los Angeles Times that the strain is “just getting started now around the world and here”.

Meanwhile, Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said she’s watching the new variant closely.

“We’ll really have to watch – because the overall information on it is not super robust now – but I would imagine over the next couple of weeks, particularly if it starts to creep up higher and higher, we will be hearing a little bit more about it,” she said.

People are advised to keep up to date with vaccinations and booster shots in order to protect themselves from the latest variant. It is also recommended that face masks are worn in crowded or indoor settings where ventilation is poor.

Keeping physical distance from others and avoiding large gatherings is also recommended, along with maintaining good hygiene habits.

If you experience any of the symptoms, the Health Service Executive (HSE) strongly advises staying home and isolating from other people for 48 hours after your symptoms have abated.

If you test positive for Covid, it is recommended that you remain at home and stay away from other people for five days after your symptoms appear.

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