Scientists have flagged a new Covid-19 variant, XEC, which is rapidly emerging and might soon become the dominant strain. Identified first in Germany in June 2024, XEC has since spread to countries including the UK, US, and Denmark.
Covid Variant XEC: Potential Impact
Experts suggest that XEC, a sub-lineage of the omicron variant, possesses mutations that could enhance its transmission this autumn. Despite this, current vaccinations remain effective in preventing severe illness. Individuals at higher risk should consider getting a booster shot as a precaution.
Prof. Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, highlighted in an interview with BBC News that while XEC shows a slight transmission advantage over recent variants, vaccines are expected to maintain robust protection. He cautioned that XEC could become the predominant strain during the winter wave.
Covid Variant XEC: Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to those of previous Covid strains and include:
- High fever
- Body aches and fatigue
- Cough or sore throat
Most people recover within a few weeks, though some may experience lingering symptoms.
Covid Variant XEC: Current Spread and Monitoring
According to BBC and Covid data analyst Mike Honey, XEC cases are showing strong growth in Denmark and Germany. However, the reduced frequency of routine testing makes it difficult to accurately assess the current prevalence of the virus.
Will Your Covid Vaccine Protect Against XEC?
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director at UKHSA, emphasized the continued importance of vaccination: “Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19. We urge those contacted by the NHS to receive their autumn vaccine.”
Antibody to Combat All Covid-19 Variants
Researchers at The University of Texas in Austin have isolated an antibody, named SC27, which shows promise in countering all known Covid-19 variants and related strains. This breakthrough, published in Cell Reports Medicine, was derived from plasma donated by patients who experienced breakthrough infections despite being vaccinated. SC27’s ability to recognize and target various spike protein characteristics across different variants offers a hopeful direction for future treatments.