Experts say the side effects of the newly discovered XEC strain of coronavirus may not be as severe, but it is part of a more contagious variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines XEC as a recombinant or hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. strains from the Omicron family, which became predominant in the United States in late December 2022. .
The variant first emerged in Berlin in late June, but hundreds of cases have also been confirmed in Germany, France, Denmark and the Netherlands, according to a report by Australia-based data integration expert Mike Honey. It is said that it has been done.
Joella W. Adams, an epidemiologist with RTI International, said XEC has also been reported in at least 25 states in the U.S., but genetic testing is not performed on every positive test, so there are many more cases of XEC. states may occur.
“We often use what happened in Europe as a good indicator of what could happen here,” Adams told USA TODAY Friday. “Obviously, when you get into a season where you have multiple viruses at the same time, like we did when we got into influenza season, things get complicated.”
What are XEC variants?
The novel coronavirus strain XEC is a recombinant strain of two mutant strains of the Omicron family, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
The hybrid strain was first reported in Berlin in late June but has spread across Europe, North America and Asia, with Germany, France, the Netherlands and Denmark leading the way in cases.
Are XEC variants more contagious?
Although there is no indication that the XEC strain increases the severity of the virus, the more transmissible Omicron variant could make the XEC strain the predominant strain. However, currently available COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are particularly protective against XEC because it is a hybrid of two Omicron strains.
“These strains have the advantage of being more transmissible compared to other families, so the vaccines that are currently available are not based on the XEC variants, but they are related,” Adams said. said.
Like other respiratory infections, Adams said, COVID-19 and its recent Omicron variant are spreading as students return to class, children spend more time indoors and people go on vacation. The virus is expected to become more prevalent in the fall and winter as they come to visit their families.
How can I protect myself from XEC and other variants?
Spokeswoman Rosa Norman said the CDC continues to monitor the emergence of variants in the population.
“At this time, we expect that our COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will continue to be effective against all circulating variants,” Norman said in a statement to USA TODAY. . “CDC will continue to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines against circulating variants.”
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, with some exceptions, receive the latest vaccinations to protect themselves from the virus, regardless of whether they have been previously vaccinated or have been infected. We recommend that you receive the 2024-2025 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine.
Norman urged Americans to monitor the agency's coronavirus data tracker for updates on new variants.
KP.3.1.1: This leading COVID-19 variant accounts for more than 50% of cases, new CDC data shows
What is the main strain of coronavirus in the United States?
According to recent CDC projections, the COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 is now the predominant strain accounting for more than half of positive cases in the United States.
According to the agency's Nowcast data tracker, from September 1 to September 14, 52.7% of positive infections were the KP.3.1.1 strain, followed by the KP.2.3 strain at 12.2%. 2 week period.
KP.3.1.1 first became a dominant stock in the two-week period starting July 21st and ending August 3rd.
“The KP.3.1.1 variant is very similar to other variants circulating in the United States. All current lineages are descendants of JN.1, which emerged in late 2023,” Norman said. previously told USA TODAY.
Symptoms of new coronavirus infection (XEC)
There is no indication that the XEC variant comes with its own symptoms.
The CDC continues to outline the basic symptoms of coronavirus infection, which can appear within two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe.
Below are some of the symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea
The CDC says you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
Difficulty breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to get up or stay awake Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds
Contributed by: Ajane Forbes
