The XEC COVID variant spread rapidly in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands over the summer, and it has now been reported in New York, California, and some other U.S. states. Bu

KP.3 was the 'predominant' SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US. It was also spreading in Europe. It's now joined with another variant and become XEC.

Experts say the symptoms of the new strain are similar to the main Covid symptoms seen with previous variants. The NHS lists the following as some of the most common Covid symptoms: a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a change in sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath and feeling tired or exhausted.