New Covid Variant XEC: Symptoms, Spread, and What to Know
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The new Covid variant XEC is emerging as a potential dominant strain, surpassing its predecessors due to its higher infectibility. Experts note that this recombinant variant, derived from the JN.1 strain, is presenting a range of intensified flu-like symptoms including high fever, persistent cough, body aches, and headaches, causing significant exhaustion for some individuals. These developments are particularly concerning as flu season approaches, impacting especially those with compromised immune systems.
Understanding the XEC Variant
The Covid-19 variant XEC has several mutations that enhance its infectiousness compared to other strains. Initially identified in Germany, it is spreading rapidly across the United States, United Kingdom, China, Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. It is a recombinant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both of which are descendants of the JN.1 strain.
As of late September, the CDC estimates that XEC accounts for approximately 5.7% of Covid infections in the U.S., making it the fifth most prevalent strain. Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease specialist at Yale Medicine, expressed concern, stating, “One reason for the concern is that XEC has moved quickly enough to outpace the growth of all other SARS-CoV-2 variants in a few areas in Europe.”
XEC Symptoms: Expert Insights
Dr. Helen Wall, a GP and clinical director of population health in Greater Manchester, noted, “Currently, it seems to exhibit more flu-like characteristics than earlier Covid strains, including high temperature, cough, body aches, and headache.” She pointed out the overlap of symptoms with other seasonal illnesses, asserting, “It’s challenging to differentiate whether a person is suffering from Covid or flu, as both can produce severe symptoms.”
Wall highlighted that those genuinely afflicted by influenza often experience debilitating symptoms, while Covid patients might feel relatively well aside from a cough or mild symptoms, potentially spreading the virus to vulnerable populations without realizing it.
Seasonal Respiratory Infections
As winter approaches, a variety of respiratory infections—including flu, RSV, and Covid—are poised to spread. The overlapping symptoms make it crucial to keep up-to-date with vaccinations for RSV, flu, and Covid to help mitigate the risk of infection.
Common Symptoms of the XEC Variant
Recent variants, including XEC, trace their origins to the Omicron lineage and typically present symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Experts anticipate that XEC could soon surpass the FLiRT family of variants, which generally exhibit milder symptoms.
The pandemic phase may be considered over, but the ongoing circulation of Covid is evident as new infections and symptoms surface. Staying informed about vaccinations and adhering to public health recommendations remains vital for personal and community health.