The current surge of Covid-19 is slowing down in the US, but the emergence of a new variant called XEC is causing concern among health authorities as colder weather approaches. XEC is a recombinant strain originating from closely related variants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain. With numerous additional mutations, XEC is expected to spread more efficiently than previous strains, indicating that Covid-19 is far from fading away as new variants continue to arise. Here are six key points to know about the XEC variant:

1. It is more contagious: Experts suggest that XEC is more infectious than other strains due to its multiple mutations. Adhering to social distancing and proper hygiene practices is crucial in preventing infections.

2. It is spreading globally: Originating in Germany, XEC is rapidly spreading in countries like the US, UK, and China, with confirmed cases in 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal.

3. Symptoms are mild: Symptoms of XEC remain similar to Omicron and are generally mild, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

4. Vaccine effectiveness: The current Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain, and it is uncertain how effective it will be against XEC. However, the vaccine can still provide protection against severe illness and hospitalization for high-risk populations.

5. Potential dominance in winter: XEC may become the dominant variant during the colder months, prompting the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures."The variant that is expected to become more widespread in the coming months is considered the most likely to gain traction," stated Eric Topol, who leads the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, in a recent post on X. Experts predict that this variant will increase in prevalence and spread more rapidly. Furthermore, in discussing the variants that contribute to the recombinantXEC, it is worth noting that XEC is a combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Both of these variants trace their origins back to the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 is a member of the FLiRT variants that are currently driving case numbers up in several countries. On the other hand, KP.3.3 belongs to the FLuQE variant category, characterized by a mutation of the amino acid glutamine (Q) to glutamic acid (E) on the spike protein, enhancing its ability to bind to human cells.

In order to prevent Covid-19 infection, it is essential to adhere to basic precautionary measures. This includes avoiding crowded spaces, maintaining safe distances when interacting with others, washing hands regularly, and wearing masks when in crowded areas. Additionally, enhancing your immune system naturally through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein is crucial.

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