The current surge of Covid-19 in the US may be slowing down, but the appearance of the new Covid variant XEC has raised concerns among health authorities as colder weather approaches. This recombinant strain, a combination of closely related variants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 - both descendants of the JN.1 strain, is known as XEC and is anticipated to spread rapidly across the US. With numerous additional mutations, it is believed that XEC may spread more easily than previous strains, indicating that Covid-19 is far from fading away as new variants continue to emerge. Here are 6 key points to know about the new Covid variant XEC:

1. Increased Infectiousness: Experts suggest that the new XEC variant of Covid-19, with its numerous mutations, is more infectious compared to other strains. Adhering to social distancing and proper hygiene practices is crucial to prevent infections.

2. Global Spread: Although originating in Germany, the XEC variant is rapidly spreading in countries such as the US, UK, and China, and has been identified in a total of 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. In the US, there are currently 23 confirmed cases, including three in California.

3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms of the new variants, derived from Omicron, are similar to its predecessors and generally mild. Common symptoms of XEC may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The latest Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. However, the virus is evolving rapidly, potentially outpacing vaccine development. While uncertainties exist regarding the effectiveness of the latest vaccine against XEC, it is expected to provide some level of protection, particularly for vulnerable populations against severe illness and hospitalization.

5. Dominance in Winter: - XEC may become the predominant strain during the colder months."The variant that seems most likely to become more prevalent next is anticipated to gain momentum in the coming months, according to Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla. This variant is expected to spread more rapidly than others. In terms of recombinant variants, XEC is a combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both of which are descendants of the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 belongs to the group of FLiRT variants contributing to a rise in cases worldwide, while KP.3.3 is classified as a FLuQE variant, with a key mutation in the spike protein that improves its binding to human cells. To prevent Covid infection, it is essential to follow basic precautions such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining a safe distance, frequent hand washing, and wearing masks in crowded areas. Additionally, enhancing immunity naturally through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein is important. In other news, Russian shelling in Eastern Ukraine has resulted in the death of seven individuals, with both countries intercepting multiple missiles and drones."