What is the new COVID variant XEC? Symptoms of the XEC variant

Covid-19 cases continue to be seen all over the world with new variants.

According to the UKHSA, 1 in every 10 COVID cases is of XEC origin. Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said, "Current information does not suggest that we need to be overly concerned about this variant, but we are monitoring the situation closely."

WHAT IS THE COVID-19 XEC VARIANT?

XEC, like many other variants, is part of the Omicron family. First observed in May, XEC is a combination of two different subtypes according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the report compiled by T24; in the latest COVID update on October 9, the WHO stated that XEC was one of only two variants showing "increasing global prevalence" between August 19 and September 15. However, it is still responsible for a small percentage of cases.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF XEC?

Experts have not yet listed symptoms specific to XEC. It is said that the new variant has the same symptoms as other COVID variants.

These include high fever, loss or change in sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, feeling tired or exhausted, body aches, headache, and sore throat.

WAYS TO PROTECT AGAINST THE XEC VARIANT

Although the UKHSA has not issued a specific alert regarding XEC, it expects COVID to be in greater circulation during the winter months, along with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and describes these as the "three main winter threats."

According to experts, the most effective way to protect against the new variant is to get vaccinated.

News Source: 12punto