According to scientists, people have started to become infected with a new variant of the Covid-19 virus that could soon spread and become the dominant form.

In June, the XEC variant was identified in Germany. Since then, cases have also emerged in the UK, the US, Denmark and several other countries, say User on X, formerly known as Twitter.

There are some new mutations that could contribute to further spread in the fall, but experts say vaccines should still help prevent severe cases.

For those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid, the NHS is offering a free booster vaccination.

The vaccines have been updated to better match the latest variants, but not XEC, which evolved from earlier subvariants of Omicron.

Prof Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that while XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over other current Covid variants, the vaccines should still provide good protection.

However, he says it is possible that XEC will become the dominant subvariant over the course of the winter.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, says XEC is “just getting started.”

“And it will take many weeks, a few months, before it really takes hold and makes waves,” he told the LA Times.

“XEC is definitely taking the lead.

“This seems to be the next variant.

“But it will take months before we reach high levels.”

The symptoms are probably similar to those of a cold or flu as before:

• a high temperature
• Pains
• fatigue
• Cough or sore throat

Most people get better within a few weeks after Covid, but recovery may take longer.

According to Covid data analyst Mike Honey, there was “strong growth” of XEC in Denmark and Germany says on X.

There is far less routine testing than before, making it difficult to estimate the true spread of Covid.

According to the British Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.

People eligible for a free booster vaccination include:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• who live in a nursing home for older adults
• Persons over six months in a clinical risk group
• some NHS, care home and social care workers

The main Vaccination campaign against flu and Covid will begin in October, but some may receive their vaccination sooner.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “It is normal and expected for viruses to change genetically over time. The UKHSA continues to monitor all available information on emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally and publishes our data regularly.

“Vaccination offers the best protection against severe disease from COVID-19 and we urge everyone contacted by the NHS to come forward for their autumn vaccination.”