September 16th 2024.
The Covid XEC variant has been making headlines lately, as it has spread to 13 countries and is being called a "stronger" strain by experts. According to them, this variant is just getting started and could potentially become the dominant strain in the coming months.
First identified in Germany in June, this strain is a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants. It has now been detected in 13 countries across three continents, and scientists believe that it could become more prevalent as we enter the colder months. Eric Topol, the Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, spoke to the LA Times about the spread of the XEC variant, stating that it is "just getting started now around the world and here."
Topol also mentioned that it could take several weeks or even a couple of months before this variant truly takes hold and starts to cause a wave. However, it is clear that XEC is starting to take charge and could potentially become the next dominant variant. But it may still be a few months away from reaching high levels of infection.
Many people are wondering about the current situation in the UK and how many people have contracted the XEC variant. The UK Health Security Agency has not yet released any data on this specific variant. However, the latest figures show a 4.3% increase in Covid cases in the UK from the previous week. There have also been 102 Covid deaths in England in the week leading up to August 30, and 1,465 patients were admitted to hospitals with Covid in the same week.
As for the symptoms of the XEC variant, they are similar to those associated with previous Covid variants. These include a fever, sore throat, cough, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite, and body aches. Since this strain is part of the same omicron lineage, experts believe that the vaccines and booster shots currently available should still offer protection against severe illness.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, the regional chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, reassures us that health experts will continue to monitor the XEC variant in the coming weeks. So, while the situation may seem concerning, it is important to stay informed and follow recommended safety measures to protect ourselves and others.
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