Scientists have warned about a new, highly transmissible COVID strain, XEC. It was first identified in June in Germany and has spread to 13 additional countries, including the UK. As colder weather approaches, this variant could become the predominant strain in Europe, following a summer in which other subvariants like FLiRT surged.
The symptoms associated with the XEC strain are similar to those of earlier variants, such as fever, sore throat, headache, cough, and loss of smell and appetite, accompanied by body aches.
Experts express concerns that XEC might outpace the extremely infectious subvariant KP.3.1.1, currently the most widespread. Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, suggests that XEC will likely become more significant in the upcoming weeks or months, potentially leading to a new wave of infections.
Reports indicate that the XEC variant is predominantly found in Germany, Denmark, the UK, and the Netherlands. Its presence in the US and Canada is minimal, but its progression is closely watched, especially in Europe.
Health experts recommend regular hand washing and maintaining distance from those showing symptoms as effective preventive measures against COVID-19 infection.
