A new Covid variant, known as XEC, is expected to become the dominant strain as winter approaches, according to experts. Initially identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has now been detected in the UK and other countries such as the USA. This variant possesses new mutations that may contribute to its increased transmissibility during the autumn and winter months.
Despite the emergence of the XEC variant, it is reassuring to note that current vaccines are anticipated to provide effective protection against severe illness. Individuals in the UK who are at higher risk of developing severe Covid symptoms are encouraged to receive a free booster jab through the NHS. While vaccines are continuously updated, there isn’t a specific vaccine targeting the XEC variant at this moment.
Professor Francois Balloux from University College London mentioned that although XEC shows a slight advantage in transmission compared to other recent variants, existing vaccines are likely to offer significant protection. There is a possibility that the XEC variant could become the dominant subtype as winter progresses.
In California, Dr. Eric Topol from the Scripps Research Translational Institute commented to the LA Times that the XEC variant is “just getting started” and it may take several weeks to months before it becomes widespread. He emphasized that XEC appears to be the next significant variant in the trajectory of the pandemic.
Symptoms of the XEC variant are reported to be similar to common cold or flu symptoms, including aches, fatigue, and a cough or sore throat. With reduced routine testing compared to previous phases of the pandemic, monitoring the virus’s spread has become more challenging. The UK Health Security Agency reassured that mutations and changes in viruses are normal phenomena.
Priority groups eligible for a free booster vaccine include individuals aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes, those in clinical risk groups aged over six months, and certain frontline workers in healthcare and social care sectors. A campaign for Covid and flu boosters is set to commence in October to enhance protection against the virus.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam from the UK Health Security Agency highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness from Covid-19. It is crucial for those contacted by the NHS to avail themselves of the autumn vaccine for added protection. As XEC begins to emerge as a notable variant, ongoing vigilance and vaccination efforts aim to mitigate the potential impact of this new strain throughout the coming seasons.