New covid variant XEC spreading across Europe

A new COVID variant XEC is quickly spreading across Europe. First discovered in Germany in June, this variant has now spread to more than 13 countries, including the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands. New COVID variant XEC is a recombinant variant, which means it is a combination of two subvariants of the omicron strain, called KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

While experts are keeping a close watch on this variant, they believe it might not be as deadly as earlier strains. However, it is still contagious and spreading rapidly, raising concerns for healthcare systems.

What is New covid variant XEC?

XEC is a new hybrid variant made up of two other COVID variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. KS.1.1 is known as a FLiRT variant, which has been contributing to the rise of COVID cases in many parts of the world. KP.3.3 is another type, called a FLuQE variant, where a small change in the virus’s spike protein has made it more effective at binding to human cells. This means it can spread more easily from person to person.

Scientists say XEC has developed new mutations that might make it more contagious than earlier strains. These mutations allow the virus to latch onto human cells more efficiently, which could explain why it is spreading fast in different parts of Europe.

Despite its fast spread, experts believe XEC may not cause as many severe cases of COVID as earlier variants did.

Spread across Europe

COVID data analysts and scientists are tracking the spread of XEC in Europe. According to a COVID data analyst, Mike Honey, XEC is showing “strong growth” in countries like Denmark and Germany, where the variant is linked to 16-17% of new COVID cases. In the UK and Netherlands, 11-13% of new cases are from XEC. Other countries that have reported the presence of XEC include Poland, Norway, Ukraine, Portugal, Luxembourg, and even China.

So far, more than 500 samples of the XEC variant have been found in 27 countries worldwide. While XEC is mainly spreading in Europe, scientists are also monitoring its spread in the US and Canada, though the number of cases there is still low.

Symptoms of XEC

The symptoms of XEC are similar to those of earlier COVID variants, particularly omicron. People infected with XEC may experience:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Tiredness
• Body aches
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite

Most people who get infected with XEC feel better within a few weeks, though recovery may take longer for some.

Can vaccines protect against XEC?

Vaccines have been shown to protect against all known COVID variants, including XEC. Since XEC is part of the omicron family, vaccines and booster shots are expected to help fight this variant as well. Experts recommend that people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID should get vaccinated and receive their booster shots.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is offering free booster shots to people more likely to become seriously ill from COVID. This includes adults over 65, people living in care homes, and healthcare workers.

While XEC is spreading rapidly, especially in Europe, vaccines remain the best defense against the virus. Experts say that staying up-to-date with vaccines and booster shots can help protect individuals from serious illness. Scientists will continue to monitor the spread of this new variant to better understand its impact and how to best manage it in the future.

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