New Covid variant XEC spreads globally with flu-like symptoms, says Greater Manchester GP

A new Covid variant, XEC, is spreading globally and is expected to become the dominant strain. Unlike previous variants, recent cases show more flu-like symptoms, leaving many feeling exhausted. This variant combines two existing strains and may be more transmissible. Doctors are seeing an increase in respiratory infections as the weather changes and children return to school. Symptoms of the new variant overlap with those of colds and flu, making it difficult to identify Covid cases without widespread testing. Vaccination efforts are ramping up, with the NHS offering Covid, flu, and RSV vaccines. More than 2.8 million people in the northwest are eligible for the Covid vaccine, and 4.2 million for the flu vaccine, as health officials aim to curb the spread of winter illnesses.