A New COVID-19 Variant, XEC, Is Spreading Rapidly: What You Need to Know
People have started catching a new Covid variant that could soon take off and become the dominant type, according to scientists. Identified in Germany, in June, cases of the XEC variant have since emerged in the UK, US, Denmark and several other countries, say users on X, formerly known as Twitter. It has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, experts say.
The XEC Variant: What We Know
The XEC variant is a subvariant of Omicron that has been found to be spreading rapidly in some countries. It is a hybrid of previously discovered Omicron subvariants — KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 — of the novel coronavirus that causes Covid. KS.1.1 is a type of what’s commonly called a FLiRT variant. It is characterized by mutations in the building block molecules phenylalanine (F) altered to leucine (L), and arginine (R) to threonine (T) on the spike protein that the virus uses to attach to human cells. The second Omicron subvariant KP.3.3 belongs to the category FLuQE where the amino acid glutamine (Q) is mutated to glutamic acid (E) on the spike protein, making its binding to human cells more effective. Scientists believe that these mutations may be what makes XEC more contagious than previous variants.
How Contagious Is the XEC Variant?
Experts say that XEC is “definitely taking charge” as the dominant variant, and is likely to become the new dominant strain of COVID-19 within a matter of months. The XEC variant has been found to be spreading rapidly in countries such as Denmark, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. XEC is a pretty new variant, and there isn’t a ton of information right now on symptoms people have experienced with it. However, early reports don’t suggest that it causes dramatically different symptoms from other strains of COVID-19.
Symptoms of the XEC Variant
The symptoms of XEC are thought to be similar to those of other COVID-19 variants. They include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Loss of smell
- Loss of appetite
- Body aches
Should We Be Worried?
While the XEC variant is getting a lot of attention in Europe, it’s already hit the U.S. As of Sept. 3, data show that there have been 23 cases of COVID-19 caused by the XEC variant in the U.S., with three happening in California.
Even though it hasn’t been spotted in some places, experts say that the XEC variant is likely already there. Variants spread quickly, and if XEC is already starting to replace a more dominant variant in one area, “it’s likely that that will take over as the more dominant sublineage,” says one expert.
What Can We Do?
The good news is that the vaccines are still effective against XEC, and experts say that getting vaccinated and boosted is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness.
The public health advice will likely remain the same, according to experts:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Wear a mask in indoor public settings
- Stay home if you are sick
What Does the Future Hold?
It is still too early to say for sure what the long-term impact of the XEC variant will be. However, experts say that it is important to stay informed about the latest developments and to take steps to protect yourself and your community.
Staying Safe: A Final Note
As we navigate this ever-evolving pandemic, staying informed and taking precautions remain crucial. Staying up-to-date on the latest vaccine recommendations and following public health guidelines helps to protect both ourselves and our communities. Remember, together we can overcome this challenge and build a healthier future for all.
