The XEC variant of Covid-19 has raised fears that the UK could face a tripledemic this winter, as one doctor warned that the strain may bring back masks and social distancing

The U.S. is coming down from its biggest COVID summer surge yet as a new subvariant emerges—but new vaccines are here, too.

A new COVID variant is spreading rapidly and could soon become the dominant variant around the globe. The variant, called XEC, was first detected in Germany in August and appears to have a growth advantage over other circulating variants—but it is not a radically different variant.

The latest global coronavirus mutation is swiftly spreading in Europe. Will it drive a wave of illness in the U.S.? And do vaccines offer protection?

The new Covid variant XEC, more infectious than its predecessors, is rapidly spreading and manifesting intense flu-like symptoms. Originating in Germany, it is now present in various countries including the US and UK.

The new variant appears to have a "growth advantage", and is likely to become dominant in the UK within months.

The XEC strain was first detected in Germany in June but cases have since been reported in the UK, Ireland, France , Spain , the US and other countries - with 1,115 cases worldwide.

As the UK faces a "tripledemic" winter, Dr Helen Wall has shared important information about the new XEC Covid variant, which could soon become the most dominant strain