While the current decline in the Covid-19 wave in the US offers some relief, the emergence of a new Covid variant known as XEC is raising concerns among health authorities as colder weather sets in. XEC is a recombinant strain combining elements of two closely related variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both descendants of the JN.1 strain. With its increased number of mutations, XEC is expected to spread more efficiently than previous strains, indicating that Covid-19 shows no signs of disappearing as new variants continue to surface. Here are six key points to understand about the novel Covid variant XEC:
1. Increased Infectiousness: Experts suggest that the XEC variant of Covid-19 possesses numerous additional mutations, making it more infectious compared to other strains, underscoring the importance of adhering to social distancing and proper hygiene practices to prevent transmission.
2. Global Spread: Although originating in Germany, the XEC variant is rapidly spreading in various countries, including the US, UK, and China, with reports of its presence in 27 countries, such as Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. Currently, there are 23 confirmed cases in the US, including three in California.
3. Mild Symptoms: XEC and other new variants originating from Omicron exhibit similar mild symptoms, such as fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, muscle and body aches, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
4. Vaccine Efficacy: The latest Covid-19 vaccine has been developed based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. However, the rapid evolution of the virus poses challenges to vaccine effectiveness. While uncertainties exist regarding the efficacy of the most recent Covid vaccine, it may still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalization among vulnerable populations.
5. Potential Dominance in Winter: Experts warn that the XEC variant may become prevalent during the winter months, underscoring the importance of staying informed and following guidelines to curb its spread."According to Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, the variant that is most likely to become prevalent next is expected to gain momentum and spread rapidly in the upcoming months. Experts anticipate that this particular variant will become dominant.
Further details reveal that the recombinant XEC is a combination of strains KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, with both being descendants of the JN.1 strain. KS.1.1 belongs to the FLiRT variants, which are contributing to an increase in cases in various countries, while KP.3.3 is classified as a FLuQE variant characterized by a mutation in the spike protein. This mutation enhances the virus's ability to bind to human cells.
To prevent Covid infections, it is essential to adhere to basic preventive measures. This includes avoiding crowded places, maintaining physical distance, frequent hand washing, and wearing masks in crowded areas. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and protein can help strengthen immunity.
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