The current wave of Covid-19 in the US may be slowing down, but the emergence of a new variant, XEC, is causing concern among health authorities as colder weather approaches. XEC is a recombinant strain of two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain. With more mutations, XEC is expected to spread more efficiently than previous strains, signaling that Covid-19 is far from fading away. Here are 6 key points to understand about the new Covid variant XEC:

1. Increased Infectiousness: Experts suggest that the XEC variant is more contagious due to additional mutations. Following social distancing and hygiene practices is crucial to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Global Spread: Although originating in Germany, the XEC variant is rapidly spreading in countries like the US, UK, and China, with sightings in 27 countries including Poland, Norway, and the US, with cases in California.

3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms of XEC, similar to those of Omicron, include mild manifestations like fever, cough, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain, but as the virus evolves, the effectiveness of the current vaccine against XEC remains uncertain. However, it may still provide protection against severe disease.

5. Potential Dominance: XEC could become the dominant strain during the winter months, necessitating continued vigilance and preventive measures."Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, suggested that a particular variant is likely to become dominant in the near future. Experts anticipate that this variant will spread more rapidly in the coming months. The recombinant XEC is a combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 strains, which are descendants of the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 is part of the FLiRT variants contributing to the rise in cases globally, while KP.3.3 is a type of FLuQE variant with a spike protein mutation that enhances its binding to human cells. To prevent Covid infection, it is essential to adhere to basic preventive measures such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing masks in crowded areas. Additionally, boosting immunity naturally by consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein is important. In other news, seven people were killed in eastern Ukraine due to Russian shelling, and both countries intercepted multiple missiles and drones."