24 October 2024, Health officials take new variants of COVID-19 very seriously. The new variant added to this list is called XEC, another Omicron variant. First identified in Germany in June 2024, XEC has since spread to other areas of Europe and North America. Health experts, with the respiratory illness season around the corner, are keeping a close watch on this new strain for its potential impact. But here’s what you need to know about the XEC variant and how to keep yourself prepared.
What You Need to Know About the XEC Variant
XEC is a descendent of the Omicron strain, which has spawned a number of subvariants since it first cropped up in late 2021. The new strain was uncovered during routine genetic sequencing and proved to have some increased transmissibility. XEC quickly spread across Europe and-as of September 2024-accounts for approximately 5.7% of COVID-19 cases across the U.S., making it the fifth most common variant in circulation.
Symptoms of XEC Variant
While this variant does not, as the rest of the Omicron sub-variant viruses, seem to give severe illness, it is nonetheless manifested by symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, including:
- Fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Fatigue and body aches
- Headache and nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath-which in some instances could be sever Ende
Health officials are reassuring the public that existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer protection, though breakthrough infections remain possible, especially as new strains emerge.
How XEC is Spreading
It demonstrated a faster spread rate compared to other variants. In parts of Europe, the infection rate increased significantly within weeks, overtaking the growth of older Omicron strains. This is the period when most regions are loosening the COVID-19 restrictions and has brought fears of another surge this winter, when respiratory infections are common.
In the U.S., XEC has been reported in at least 25 states, as of late September 2024. The rapid rise of the variant coincides with the rollout of updated COVID-19 vaccines, and health officials urge vaccination for improved protection
Prevention and Safety Measures
Public health officials recommend taking the following precautions to stay safe as XEC continues to spread:
Vaccination: Take the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for protection against new variants.
Mask-wearing: wear masks while among a crowded place or indoor gatherings with several people to cut the rate of transmission.
Hygiene: Ensure that one washes their hands appropriately, and one conducts disinfection activities from time to time.
Social distancing: Ensure that there is a distance physically taken, especially where one gets into high-risk settings.
Testing and Isolation: If there are symptoms, get tested without any delay and follow the isolation guidelines laid to avoid spreading the virus.
These measures are most necessary, particularly for vulnerable populations of older adults and those with immunocompromised conditions, due to complications associated with COVID-19.
What’s Next?
The XEC strain does not indicate worse symptoms than variants, but it is still highly transmissible. A sign that the variant has taken hold is a full-steam-ahead notice that the pandemic is not over.
With the expected increase in respiratory infections during the winter season, this awareness-raising from people and recommendations by public health are very necessary. Vaccination is far from over and continues to be a very important tool for lessening the virus’s impact and preventing serious disease.
The XEC variant simply underscores the need for continued COVID-19 surveillance and timely vaccination. Thus, for this winter season, it is time to get updated on what is new and follow guidance from health officials to protect you and your community safely.
