A new Covid variant named XEC is causing concern across Europe as cases continue to rise, with the UK being one of the countries experiencing a surge in infections. Scientists have highlighted the XEC variant as being more contagious and potentially outpacing other strains in its spread. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, warned of the growing prominence of the XEC variant, suggesting it may become the dominant strain in the near future.
In August, researchers had predicted a rapid increase in cases of the XEC variant, with Slovenia reporting a high percentage of Covid cases attributed to XEC. Despite its increased transmissibility, experts believe that current vaccinations and booster doses should still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalisation caused by the variant. XEC is a combination of two previous omicron subvariants, KS. 1.1 and KP. 3.3, and has been observed to be spreading notably in countries like Denmark, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.
As the coronavirus continues to evolve, data indicates that the XEC variant is steadily gaining ground and surpassing other known subvariants in terms of prevalence. The US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention advises maintaining good hygiene practices and improving air quality to combat the virus effectively. Scientists are urging for closer monitoring of the XEC variant to better understand its symptoms and effects on individuals.
The symptoms of the XEC Covid variant are similar to previous strains, manifesting as cold or flu-like symptoms alongside typical Covid symptoms such as high temperature, aches, tiredness, cough, or sore throat. With the ongoing threat of new variants emerging, vigilance and adherence to recommended health protocols remain crucial in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting public health.