The current wave of Covid-19 in the US appears to be slowing down slightly, but the emergence of a new Covid variant XEC is causing concern among health authorities as colder weather approaches. The XEC variant is a recombinant strain derived from two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which are descendants of the JN.1 strain. With additional mutations, XEC is expected to spread more efficiently than previous strains, highlighting the ongoing threat of Covid-19 and its evolving variants.

Here are 6 key points to know about the new Covid variant XEC:

1. Increased Infectivity: Experts indicate that the XEC variant is more infectious due to multiple mutations. It is essential to maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Global Spread: While originating in Germany, XEC is rapidly spreading in countries such as the US, UK, and China, with confirmed cases in 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal.

3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to Omicron and generally mild, including fever, cough, sore throat, and other common Covid-19 symptoms.

4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The current Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain, but the rapid evolution of the virus raises questions about vaccine effectiveness. While it may not fully prevent infection, the vaccine can still provide protection against severe disease.

5. Potential Dominance: Experts warn that the XEC variant could become dominant during the winter months, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance and preventive measures."Eric Topol, the director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, believes that a certain variant is likely to become dominant in the near future and spread rapidly. Experts predict that this variant will become more prevalent in the coming months. Additionally, here is more information about the recombinant XEC, which combines the characteristics of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains. Both of these strains are related to the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 belongs to the FLiRT variants, some of which are driving the increase in cases in multiple countries. Meanwhile, KP.3.3 is a type of FLuQE variant with a spike protein mutation that enhances its ability to bind to human cells. To protect yourself from Covid-19, it is important to follow basic preventive measures such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing, and wearing masks in crowded areas. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein can also help boost your immunity. In other news, seven people were killed in eastern Ukraine due to Russian shelling, with both countries intercepting multiple missiles and drones."