The current wave of Covid-19 seems to be tapering off in the US, but the emergence of a new Covid variant named XEC has sparked concerns among health authorities with the arrival of colder weather. XEC is a recombinant strain formed by two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both stemming from the JN.1 strain. The variant is anticipated to potentially spread widely across the US due to its numerous mutations, suggesting increased transmissibility compared to previous strains. The ongoing emergence of newer variants indicates that Covid-19 is persisting rather than waning.

Here are six key points to understand about the new Covid variant XEC:

1. Increased Infectiousness: Experts suggest that the new XEC variant is more infectious than other strains due to a multitude of additional mutations. Maintaining social distancing and proper hygiene practices is crucial to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

2. Global Spread: Although originating in Germany, the XEC variant is rapidly spreading in countries such as the US, UK, and China, with reports of cases in 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. Currently, there are 23 reported cases in the US, including three in California.

3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms associated with XEC are reported to be similar to the Omicron variant, generally presenting as mild. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, breathing difficulties, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

4. Vaccine Efficacy: The current Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. However, the rapid evolution of the virus raises uncertainty about the vaccine's efficacy against newer variants such as XEC. While the vaccine may not provide full protection, it can still help prevent severe illness and hospitalization in vulnerable populations.

5. Potential Dominance in Winter: There are concerns that the XEC variant may become predominant during the winter months, underscoring the importance of vigilance and adherence to preventive measures."The variant that is most likely to emerge next is predicted to become more dominant and spread rapidly, according to Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla. It is suggested by experts that this variant will gain momentum in the coming months. More details about the recombinant XEC variant include its origins from a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains, which are both descendants of the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 is categorized as one of the FLiRT variants contributing to the rise in cases globally, while KP.3.3 falls under the FLuQE variants due to a key mutation on the spike protein. To protect against Covid-19, it is vital to adhere to basic preventive measures like avoiding crowds, maintaining safe distances, regular hand washing, and wearing masks in crowded places. Additionally, boosting immunity can be achieved by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein."