Covid 19 New Variant XEC
A new Covid variant has been identified that scientists are saying may become the dominant strain in the coming months, but has been spreading across many countries already. The new variant XEC has thus far been identified in various cases in Germany where it first appeared in June, to mention a few others, like the UK, US, Denmark, and 13 other nations. Experts say this may lead to increased infections when colder weather sets in.
Even though XEC has symptoms typical of previously known COVID variants, such as fever, sore throat, headaches, loss of smell, and body aches, it also carries changes that may render it much more transmissible at fall peaks. The health officials are on tenterhooks as this variant is going to have a chance to overthrow the most contagious KP.3.1.1 subvariant, which is dominating currently.
A key challenge with XEC voiced by Dr. Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California is that “in a few weeks, or a month or two before it becomes appreciable in terms of waves of infections.” Increased in Europe and beyond
While XEC is low in the United States and Canada, it has a foothold in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. According to Mike Honey, COVID data analyst, the variant is widely expanding in Denmark and Germany. However, with diminished routine testing, its full reach cannot be measured.
Vaccination and Protection
XEC falls in the Omicron family of variants, hence, vaccines already used should confer immunity against severe illness. Health professionals are convinced that current vaccines, which have been updated to reflect recent circulating variants, will help prevent serious cases of XEC.
Regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California Dr. Elizabeth Hudson commented that even though XEC carries a transmission advantage, it is not drastically different from previous omicron subvariants. “We are not in a new Greek letter situation,” she said.
Booster Shots and Prevention
Adults aged 65 and older, those in clinical risk groups at higher risk, and some frontline workers are all eligible for free booster jabs to be administered for autumn inoculation. The UK Health Security Agency maintains its stance on the overall need for good hand hygiene and the avoidance of close contact with symptomatic individuals.
University College London’s director of the Genetics Institute, Professor Francois Balloux, also urged for vaccination: “This winter, XEC may rule, but it is not going to give any meaningful competitive edge over vaccines themselves.
The international scientific community is observing the emergence, and health officers continue to urge all people to be vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves from Covid as the XEC variant starts circulating.
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