As we approach the flu season, the world faces another COVID-19 challenge. A new variant, known as XEC, is catching the attention of global researchers and healthcare experts. First identified in Germany in June 2024, XEC is now spreading rapidly across Europe, North America, and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about the latest COVID variant making its way through the U.S. and Europe.
XEC
XEC is a newly discovered subvariant of COVID-19, thought to be a combination of two previous strains, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Experts are warning that this variant has the potential to become dominant in the coming months. Dr. Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, stated, “At this juncture, the XEC variant appears to be the most likely one to get legs next.”
Although XEC was initially detected in Germany, it has now spread to over two dozen countries, including the U.S. Data from Scripps Research indicates that, as of September 5, at least 95 cases of XEC have been confirmed across 12 U.S. states, with the number of cases steadily increasing.
Current Spread and Risk
Globally, the XEC variant has been reported in countries across Europe, North America, and Asia. According to reports, the strain has shown up in 27 countries, including China, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine. In the U.S., cases remain low, but scientists expect the variant’s presence to grow significantly over the next few months. In fact, it could become a dominant strain, replacing others like KP.3.1.1, also known as deFLuQE, which currently leads in infections.
Symptoms of XEC to Watch For
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your healthcare provider and consider testing:
- Fever or chills
- Cough (new or continuous)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and body aches
- Loss of appetite, taste, or smell
- Sore throat
- Headaches and congestion
- Nausea or diarrhea
Are Vaccines effective
The good news is that current COVID-19 vaccines, including the latest booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer, still offer protection against XEC. Though these vaccines were designed against older variants, experts believe they provide some level of immunity due to the relatedness of XEC to previous Omicron strains. Dr. Elizabeth Hudson from Kaiser Permanente Southern California confirmed that “there is still going to be some level of protection there” for those who are vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged six months and older receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID vaccine, regardless of previous infection or vaccination status. This will provide broader immunity, particularly as new variants like XEC and MV.1 continue to spread.
What Can You Do?
The best steps you can take to protect yourself include:
- Getting vaccinated with the latest COVID-19 booster.
- Wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Maintaining good hygiene by regularly washing hands and using hand sanitizers.
- Staying informed about local infection rates and taking precautions accordingly.
While another lockdown is not expected, it’s advisable to keep COVID test kits at home. These can now be purchased at local pharmacies or online, making it easier to test if symptoms arise.
As XEC spreads through Europe and North America, staying vigilant and informed is crucial. With vaccines providing some level of protection and health experts closely monitoring the situation, we have better tools to manage the pandemic. However, it remains essential to continue following public health guidelines to prevent further transmission.