A new Covid variant known as XEC is spreading rapidly, and experts warn that the strain is just beginning to make its impact felt. First identified in Germany, XEC is now making its way across Europe, with health experts in the USA suggesting it could soon become the dominant strain. Dr Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, indicated that XEC is gaining momentum globally. This variant, a recombination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains, is believed to have certain advantages over previous variants. Dr Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, stated that XEC is a concerning variant that requires close monitoring due to limited information currently available. The virus has been detected in 15 countries across three continents since its initial appearance in Berlin in June.
Data expert Mike Honey from Melbourne has analysed the rapid spread of XEC and predicts it as a potential major competitor to existing dominant variants. XEC has already been observed to outcompete other strains like FLiRT, FLuQU, and DEFLuQE in several countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, and Israel. UK Covid cases have seen a 4.3% increase week on week, with 102 Covid-related deaths reported in England during the week leading up to August 30. Additionally, 1,465 Covid patients were admitted to hospitals during the same period.
Common symptoms of Covid-19 according to the NHS include a high temperature or chills, a new continuous cough, loss or change in sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. While these symptoms resemble those of other illnesses like colds and flu, it is essential to seek medical advice if experiencing any of these symptoms, as recovery time can vary, and for some individuals, the illness may be prolonged and severe.
As XEC continues to spread globally, health authorities are closely monitoring its impact and advising the public to remain vigilant in following Covid safety guidelines to mitigate transmission and protect public health.