The current wave of Covid-19 in the US appears to be slowing down, but the emergence of a new variant called XEC has raised concerns among health authorities as colder weather approaches. XEC, a recombinant strain of two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain, is expected to spread rapidly across the US due to its increased transmissibility compared to previous strains. With numerous additional mutations, XEC poses a significant threat, indicating that Covid-19 is far from disappearing as new variants continue to emerge. Here are six key points to know about the new Covid variant XEC:1. Higher Infectiousness: Experts warn that the XEC variant is more infectious than its predecessors due to multiple mutations. Adhering to social distancing and hygiene practices is crucial to prevent infections.2. Global Spread: Although originating in Germany, the XEC variant is quickly spreading in countries such as the US, UK, China, and has been identified in 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. Currently, there are 23 confirmed cases in the US, including three in California.3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms of XEC remain similar to Omicron and are generally mild, including fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, among others.4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The latest Covid-19 vaccines are based on the KP.2 strain, but with the virus evolving rapidly, the effectiveness of current vaccines against XEC is uncertain. However, vaccines still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalization, especially for vulnerable populations.5. Potential Dominance: Health experts warn that XEC may become the dominant variant during the winter months."According to Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, the variant that is most likely to gain traction next could become the dominant strain in the upcoming months, spreading more rapidly. More information on the recombinantXEC variants reveals that it is a combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1, classified as one of the FLiRT variants, is contributing to the rise in Covid cases in several countries, while KP.3.3 belongs to the FLuQE variant category, showing increased efficiency in binding to human cells. To prevent Covid infection, it is essential to adhere to basic precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining social distance, practicing frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and enhancing immunity through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein. Recent events in Eastern Ukraine highlight the consequences of Russian shelling, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, with both countries intercepting multiple missiles and drones."