New XEC Covid-19 variants, which are a hybrid variant of the Omicron subvariants, appear and spread rapidly over many countries like the UK, US, Denmark, Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Portugal, and China since detection in Germany in June 2024.
Expert closely monitors its symptoms and potential impact.
Experts point to strong growth of the variant in Denmark and Germany (16-17%), as well as the UK and Netherlands (11-13%). Over 500 samples from these countries have tested positive for XEC so far.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translation Institute in California, says XEC is “Just getting started.” It will be the next dominant, but it can take a couple of months to fully spread.
He starts, “XEC is taking charge” and appears to be the most likely variant to spread widely next.
The common symptoms associated with the XEC variant are similar to previous COVID-19 symptoms, including:
- Fever or chills
- Couch
- Sore throat
- Loss of smell or taste
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Congestion or runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
A loss of appetite, a blocked or runny nose, and continuous cough are the key symptoms of the new XEC variant. Most people experience it takes longer to recover than COVID.
While XEC seems to have a transmission advantage over recent variants, experts believe current vaccines should provide good protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
Vaccination and booster shots are strongly recommended for variable populations. Covid data analyst Mike Honey says on X, “XEC has been a strong growth in Denmark and Germany.”.
Prof. Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that XEC has a “slight transmission advantage” over recent COVID variants, but vaccines should still offer good protection.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.
People qualifying for a free booster Vaccine include:
- Adults over 65 years of age or over.
- Healthcare staff for those living in a care home for older adults
- Those over the age of six months are classified as critical risk.
- Some front-line NHS, care home, and social care work.
The main vaccination will start in October, but some will receive theirs earlier as per the recommendations.
Dr Gayetri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said: “It is normal for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging COVID variants in the UK and internationally and to publish our data regularly. “
“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, and we urge those who are contracted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”
