A new COVID variant known as the “XEC variant” is raising questions and attracting researchers' attention heading into the fall/winter season.
Researchers say the variant is primarily spreading overseas, with the fastest rises in countries such as Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, but the variant appears to be starting to increase in the United States as well.
So what should you know about it?
The presenters are:
What are XEC variants?
Eric Topol, director of the Translational Institute at the Scripps Research Institute in California, said the XEC variant “seems most likely to be the next to become widespread.”
At the moment, the XEC variant seems most likely to get legs next. The current status is well tracked as follows: @Mike_Honey_ Thread https://t.co/4AnLa3MXfz
— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) September 15, 2024
Topol reported that this subvariant is a “recombinant KS.1.1 and KP.3.3” variant and is “emerging in many growth-friendly countries.” However, he added that it may take time to know the full extent of the variants.
Topol told the LA Times that the increase in the variant is due to recent mutations.
KP.3, called the FLuQE variant, and its subvariant KP.3.1.1, or deFLuQE variant, each had their own mutations, but XEC took them a step further and called them “highly pathogenic. “This is a highly immune-evasive mutant.” ”
He noted that it could be behind the recent wave, which has sickened people who might not have been infected with the coronavirus.
Where is it spreading?
The variant's prominence remains primarily overseas, and XEC has not yet been detected widely enough to be included in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Variant Rate Data Tracker.
The most common variant in the United States remains KP.3.1.1, which accounts for more than half of current coronavirus cases, according to CDC estimates.
Data reported over the weekend showed the highest rates of variants found in Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Will the vaccine protect against XEC variants?
Experts have long said the coronavirus will continue to mutate.
This fall's vaccine recipe is tailored to the new division of Omicron's descendants. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines target a variant called KP.2 that circulated earlier this year.
Additional variants are currently circulating, particularly KP.3.1.1, but they are so closely related that cross-protection from vaccines can be expected. The vaccine is also expected to provide some protection against XEC.
A Pfizer spokesperson said the company has submitted data to the FDA showing its latest vaccine “generates significantly improved responses” against multiple virus subtypes compared to last fall's vaccine. .
This summer's wave of coronavirus infections is far from over, but the winter surge is likely to get worse. Furthermore, although the new coronavirus vaccine is effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, the protective effect against mild infections only lasts for a few months.
What symptoms do you have?
It is unclear whether the new variant will cause any changes in symptoms.
For now, the symptoms of coronavirus remain the same.
Cough Sore throat Runny nose Sneezing Fatigue Headache Muscle pain Changes in sense of smell Congestion Fever or chills Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea
Recent reports have focused on specific gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the virus.
Dr. Caitlin Jetelina, a CDC scientific consultant and epidemiologist, said that “gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea” have been identified so far as possible symptoms of COVID-19.
“Although we do not have specific data on the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms due to the current virus strain, symptoms of COVID-19 can certainly vary by variant and by individual,” Jetelina told NBC in July. told Chicago.
Last fall, Chicago-area doctors said they noticed a change in the most common symptoms patients reported as the JN.1 variant became predominant.
At the time, Dr. Chantel Tinfan, a family medicine physician at Cook County Provident Hospital Sengstack Health Center, said that many of the patients she saw at the time reported fewer fevers, body aches, and chills, and more sore throats. They also reported more symptoms of fatigue and fatigue. Then he coughs.
“We still have patients who experience loss of appetite, loss of taste and smell, so it depends,” she says. “One patient was so, so tired that he could barely do anything, and then we realized…no, it wasn't just a cough or shortness of breath. I see it.”
She suggested talking to your doctor if your symptoms don't start to improve after the recommended isolation period.
How long will the new coronavirus last?
In terms of timing, symptoms may last several days, but in some cases they may last longer.
According to the CDC, “Some people who are infected with the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may develop a long-term illness called COVID-19 or post-coronavirus infection (PCC). They may experience long-term effects.”
These symptoms can last for weeks or even years.
However, previous timing guidelines were centered around 5-10 days.
What should I do if my test result is positive?
The CDC updated its coronavirus guidelines in March to reflect guidance for other respiratory infections. The CDC announced that people infected with the new coronavirus no longer need to stay away from others for five days, effectively eliminating the five-day quarantine recommendation.
Although you can return to work or normal activities if your symptoms are mild and improving and you have had a fever for one day, the CDC still recommends that people with symptoms stay home.
“The recommendation is to return to normal activities once symptoms have generally improved for at least 24 hours and the fever has subsided without the use of antipyretic medications if present.” ” states the guidance.
The CDC recommends “additional prevention strategies,” such as wearing masks and social distancing, for an additional five days even after reopening.
The agency stresses that people should try to prevent infection in the first place by getting vaccinated, washing their hands and taking steps to get more fresh air outdoors.
As part of its guidance, the CDC suggests the following:
Stay up to date on vaccinations to protect people from serious illness, hospitalization and death. This includes influenza, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible. Practice good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or disinfecting your hands frequently, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Take steps to clean the air, such as bringing in fresher outside air, purifying indoor air, or collecting air outdoors.
The change comes at a time when COVID-19 is no longer the public health threat it once was. It was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. early in the pandemic, but last year it fell to number 10.
Most people have some level of immunity to the coronavirus from past vaccinations or infections. And some experts say many people aren't following the five-day quarantine guidance anyway.
Where can I get a free coronavirus test?
Starting in late September, Americans will be able to have free virus test kits mailed to their homes in response to the summer coronavirus outbreak.
U.S. households will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests once the federal program reopens, according to the website COVIDtests.gov. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees testing, has not announced the exact date when orders will begin.
The test detects the current strain of the virus and can be ordered ahead of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to celebrate, an HHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement. As of last year, an over-the-counter COVID-19 home test typically cost about $11.
