New XEC Covid variant - everything we know about symptoms and how to protect yourself
Health experts are raising alarms about a new COVID variant that is spreading quickly worldwide, warning that it is "just getting started."
The XEC strain, a hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, was first detected in Germany in June but has since been identified in 15 countries across three continents.
U.S. experts predict it could become the dominant strain, reports the Mirror. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, stated that XEC is "just getting started now around the world and here."
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Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, stated that health experts will keep a close watch on the variant in the coming weeks. Here, we break down everything known about XEC so far, including its symptoms and ways to protect yourself.
The primary symptoms of the XEC COVID variant, like other variants of the virus, are similar to those of common illnesses such as colds and the flu. While most people recover within a few weeks, recovery can take longer for some. In more severe cases, the illness may require hospitalisation.
According to the NHS, the latest Covid-19 symptoms can include:
a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
In recent years, some COVID variants have proven to be more severe than others. However, it will take a few more weeks or months for health experts to determine the severity of symptoms caused by the XEC strain.
To safeguard against the latest COVID variant, follow the same precautions as with previous variants, including staying up to date with vaccines and booster shots. While vaccines may not completely prevent infection, they remain the most effective defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Wearing a face mask, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, can also help protect you from the virus, especially if you're vulnerable or live with someone at higher risk. Improving indoor ventilation, where possible, can further reduce the risk of infection.
Keeping physical distance from others and avoiding large gatherings is also recommended. Maintaining good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, is key. If you develop any symptoms or have been in touch with someone who is infected, you should isolate to prevent further spread of the virus.
The NHS advises that if you test positive or experience any COVID symptoms, it’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking water to avoid dehydration. For discomfort, over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease symptoms.
For a cough, a teaspoon of honey may provide relief, though honey should not be given to babies under 12 months. If you're feeling breathless, try turning down the heating or opening a window, sitting upright, relaxing your shoulders, and leaning slightly forward. The NHS also suggests breathing slowly "in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together as if gently blowing out a candle."
Recent UK data shows a 4.3% week-on-week increase in COVID cases, with 102 COVID-related deaths in the week leading up to August 30. During the same week, 1,465 patients were admitted to hospitals with COVID. However, the UK Health Security Agency has yet to release specific data on the XEC variant.
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