A doctor has warned that the XEC variant of Covid-19 could see the return of masks and social distancing over three years after the end of the final pandemic lockdown. Dr Joseph Ambani told Express.co.
uk that this variant of Covid had “significant potential” to fuel a tripledemic this winter, one which could see waves of influenza, RSV and Covid-19 surge at the same time. The Glowbar LDN doctor explained: “Unlike previous variants, XEC’s immune-evasive properties could increase the risk of co-infections, posing a serious threat, particularly to individuals whose immunity has already been weakened post- Covid . “This could lead to not just overlapping infections but more severe illness in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
” Not only could the XEC variant contribute to the tripledemic, according to Dr Ambani, he also warned XEC could also push the NHS to the brink and increase demand for ICUs (intensive care units) and see the return of Covid -era protections. He said: “The strain on the NHS could be severe. With hospital resources already stretched to their limits, a tripledemic could bring services to the brink.
“What is particularly concerning is the increased demand for ICU care, as patients with compounded respiratory illnesses would require more intensive and prolonged treatment. “This may disrupt not only routine care but also delay elective procedures and non-emergency treatments, creating a ripple effec.
