Since its initial detection in Germany last June, the variant XEC of the COVID-19 has begun to expand rapidly throughout Europe and other continents. With more than 1,115 cases registered worldwide, this variant has set off alarms among health authorities due to its high contagiousness and to an increase in severe symptoms in some patients.
Most common symptoms of the COVID XEC variant
The symptoms of XEC variant include:
- frequent cough
- Fever high
- Difficulty breathing
- extreme fatigue
- Loss of smell and taste
- muscle pain
Additionally, other symptoms include nasal congestion, headache, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea. This range of symptoms is similar to those of a common cold or flu, which can lead to confusion and make initial diagnosis difficult. While many patients recover quickly, others may experience more severe symptoms and require hospitalization.
Expansion of the XEC variant and risk of becoming dominant
According to the Dr Helen Wallclinical director of population health, this variant is becoming more common and could become the dominant strain in Europe. The data suggests that the variant is highly transmissiblealthough researchers are still studying whether its aggressiveness makes it more dangerous compared to previous variants.
He Professor Francois Ballouxof the University College Londonassures that this XEC variant is more contagious and, although from the same family as the Omicronhas some differences that facilitate its transmission.
Do vaccines protect against this new variant?
Since the XEC variant comes from the Omicron family, experts believe that current vaccines should offer a effective protection. However, due to the rapid spread of the variant, this strain is expected to remain present through the winter, which could represent a increase in respiratory infections in the coming months.
With its confirmed presence in 29 countriesincluding United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain and USAthe population is recommended to take additional precautions and follow the health recommendations in force to reduce the risk of contagion and maintain health in the winter months.