Highlights
- The XEC Covid variant is spreading across multiple countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark.
- XEC is a hybrid strain derived from Omicron sub-variants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
- Symptoms of XEC are similar to previous variants, such as fever, sore throat, and body aches.
- Vaccines are still expected to provide strong protection against severe illness caused by XEC.
- The CDC recommends updated vaccines and maintaining good hygiene as preventive measures.
The XEC Covid variant, a sublineage of Omicron, has recently gained attention for its rapid spread across Europe and other regions.
It was first detected in Germany in June 2024 and has since been identified in countries like the UK, US, Denmark, and more.
The XEC variant is believed to have a “slight transmission advantage” compared to recent strains. Despite this, vaccines are expected to continue offering protection against severe illness.
XEC as a Hybrid Variant
XEC is a recombinant strain, meaning it results from two existing variants—KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. The KS.1.1 variant is currently dominant in Europe, and the new XEC variant has been identified in around 500 samples across 27 countries, including Poland, Ukraine, China, and Portugal.
The unique mutations in XEC, such as the T22N mutation and FLuQE mutations, may enhance its ability to spread.
Also Read: Covid XEC Symptoms: What to Watch for in the New Variant
Symptoms of the XEC Covid Variant
The symptoms of XEC are similar to previous Covid strains, including:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Loss of smell and appetite
- Body aches
Other possible symptoms include shortness of breath, muscle pain, headaches, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea.
XEC, like other variants in the FLiRT lineage, tends to cause milder symptoms compared to the original COVID-19 virus.
Spread of the XEC Variant
XEC has been spreading rapidly, particularly in Denmark, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.
Experts believe it could become the dominant strain this winter, but it may take weeks or even months before it causes a significant wave of infections.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against XEC
Despite its increased transmissibility, the XEC variant is still part of the Omicron lineage. This means that existing vaccines and booster shots, particularly the updated 2024-2025 Covid-19 vaccine, should remain effective.
Health experts encourage vaccination, noting that vaccines will likely continue to protect against severe illness and hospitalization.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises people to follow good hygiene practices and improve air quality to reduce the spread.
