The whole world is now inching towards normalcy, people have started going out of their houses, starting to travel internationally and domestically. Unfortunately, a new and potentially more contagious variant of COVID-19 has emerged. Health experts are sounding the alarm and urging people to stay vigilant across the globe. The variant has been spreading abroad in countries like Denmark, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands seeing the largest spikes.

This article explores this variant, its symptoms and how to save yourself from it. Moreover, the researchers have named it— the “XEC variant.”

What is the XEC variant?

The XEC variant is a new COVID-19 subvariant gaining attention due to its rapid spread and potential impact. According to Eric Topol, the Scripps Research Translational Institute director, XEC is a recombinant of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, and it has shown a growth advantage in several countries. Topol noted that while it will take time to understand the variant’s effects, it seems highly immune-evasive and pathogenic, potentially causing a recent wave of infections, even in people who might not have caught previous strains.

Where is it spreading right now?

The XEC variant is primarily spreading in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, but it has yet to be widely identified in the U.S.

What are the symptoms?

As of now, the symptoms of COVID remain the same:

Cough
Sore Throat
Runny Nose
Sneezing
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches
Altered sense of smell
Congestion
Fever or Chills
Shortness of Breathe
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrohea

How can I protect myself?

According to the CDC, everyone aged 6 months or older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves from this new variant.

How to protect myself from this variant?

Below are different ways through which people can stay protected from this variant:

Get your booster shots as it helps slow the spread of new variants and waves.
Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces when COVID-19 levels are high in your area, especially if you are at high risk for complications.
Test yourself, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, so you can prevent it from spreading it to others.
If you test positive and are at high risk for serious illness, talk to your doctor about taking antiviral medications like Paxlovid.

The Bottom Line

As the world moves towards normalcy, a new COVID-19 variant named XEC has emerged, causing concern due to its rapid spread and potential for high contagion. Currently, XEC is mainly affecting countries such as Denmark, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, but it hasn’t yet been widely reported in the U.S.