Covid XEC symptoms explained as Brits experiencing cough warned to stay at home now

Brits who are experiencing fits have been ordered to immediately stay at home and avoid contact with others.

The says this is one of many symptoms of the new , XEC, cases of which continue to rise in the UK. It was first detected in Germany this summer and The symptoms of XEC are similar to typical Covid symptoms: fever, muscle pain, coughing, and tiredness. specialists believe this variant could now become the leading strain in the UK within months.

Despite self-isolation rules no longer being mandatory in the UK, the NHS recommends staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you have symptoms and either a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school or carry out normal activities. If you test positive, the advises staying at home and avoiding contact with others for three days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old.

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The health body also suggests those who test positive should 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.

The NHS has issued guidance on their website, advising: "You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature," and stating, "If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.", reports .

Amid rising cases of Covid in the UK, health experts are tracking the new Covid variant XEC, believed to be incredibly contagious due to multiple mutations. Recent numbers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a 21.6% spike in England's Covid cases in just a week.

Up until September 25, England saw 2,797 new Covid cases, up by 530 from the previous week. Furthermore, England experienced a worrying 50% rise in Covid-related fatalities in the week leading up to September 20, with 134 deaths recorded.