The current surge of Covid-19 in the US appears to be slowing, but the emergence of a new variant known as XEC is causing concerns among health authorities, particularly with the arrival of colder weather. XEC is a recombinant strain formed by the combination of two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain. This new variant is expected to spread more efficiently due to its many additional mutations, signaling that Covid-19 is far from disappearing as new variants continue to surface. Here are 6 key points to grasp about the XEC variant:

1. Increased Infectiousness: Experts believe that the XEC variant is more infectious than previous strains due to its numerous mutations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social distancing and proper hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Global Spread: While originating in Germany, the XEC variant is rapidly spreading in the US, UK, China, and has been identified in a total of 27 countries including Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. In the US, there are currently 23 reported cases, including three in California.

3. Mild Symptoms: Symptoms associated with the XEC variant are reported to be mild and similar to those of the Omicron variant, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and other common symptoms.

4. Vaccine Effectiveness: The current Covid-19 vaccine is based on the KP.2 strain of the virus, but the rapid evolution of the virus may challenge the effectiveness of existing vaccines. While uncertainties remain about the efficacy of the latest vaccine, it is likely to offer some protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

5. Dominance in Winter: It is anticipated that the XEC variant may become dominant during the winter season, posing a greater risk of transmission.According to Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, the variant that is most likely to become widespread next is expected to gain momentum in the coming months. This variant is believed to have the potential to spread more rapidly. In terms of the recombinant XEC, it is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, which are descendants of the JN.1 strain. The KS.1.1 variant belongs to the FLiRT variants group that is contributing to the rise in cases in many countries, while the KP.3.3 variant is categorized as a FLuQE variant due to a specific mutation on the spike protein. To prevent Covid infection, it is essential to adhere to basic measures such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining a safe distance, practicing frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded areas, and enhancing immunity through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein. In Eastern Ukraine, seven people were killed in a Russian shelling incident, with both countries intercepting multiple missiles and drones.