New Delhi: A new variant of the coronavirus, identified as XEC, is rapidly gaining traction
across the globe, according to recent reports.
The XEC strain, a hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, was first identified in Germany
in June. Since then, it has been detected in 15 countries across three continents. Experts in the
United States predict that XEC could soon become the dominant strain.
“XEC is just beginning its spread globally,” stated Eric Topol, director of the Scripps
Research Translational Institute in California, in an interview with The Mirror.
Covid XEC Symptoms The symptoms associated with the XEC variant closely resemble
those of other Covid-19 variants, as well as common cold and flu symptoms. According to
the National Health Service (NHS), key symptoms include:
● High fever or chills
● Persistent, new cough
● Altered or lost sense of taste or smell
● Shortness of breath
● Fatigue or extreme tiredness
● Muscle aches
● Headaches
● Sore throat
● Congested or runny nose
● Loss of appetite
● Diarrhea
● Nausea or vomiting
Precautionary Measures
● Get vaccinated if not already done
● Stay current with booster doses
● Wear face coverings, particularly in crowded spaces
● Avoid large gatherings when feasible
● Maintain social distancing
● Regularly wash hands and maintain good hygiene
● Self-isolate if experiencing any symptoms to reduce virus transmission
Since April, new subvariants of Omicron, known as FLiRT subvariants, have been spreading
throughout the United States. The CDC estimates that these subvariants now account for
around 80% of infections. In the week ending August 24, the CDC reported that 17% of all
Covid tests, excluding at-home tests, came back positive.
