But COVID-19 is still changing. A new strain called XEC is getting a lot of attention because it is spreading so quickly in the US and UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that the XEC variant is quickly becoming the most common type. This makes health experts worried.
What is the COVID XEC Variant?
The COVID XEC version is a mix of two earlier variants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. There are some changes in it that might help the virus spread more easily. The UK reported an admission rate of 4.5 per 100,000 sick people in the week before October 6. This was up from 3.7 the week before. The second most prevalent strain of COVID-19 in the U.S. has been XEC, accounting for more than 10% of recent cases.
Symptoms of the XEC Variant
Health officials stress that the XEC variant’s symptoms are mostly the same as those of other COVID-19 types. Some common signs are
- High temperature
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Body aches
- Cough or sore throat
Experts have said that there is currently no proof that XEC causes more serious symptoms than other types of SARS-CoV-2 that are circulating. That being said, because it changes, people need to stay alert and keep a close eye on their health.
Precautions and Vaccination
The NHS still advises anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to avoid contact with others for at least five days, despite the fact that doing so is no longer required by UK law. For ten days, people who are more likely to get seriously sick should avoid touch with others as much as possible.
Getting a vaccine is still very important in the fight against COVID-19. The NHS has started to give COVID boosts in the fall to the most vulnerable people, which include
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- Those aged 6 months to 64 with underlying health conditions
- Residents of care homes for older people
- Frontline NHS and social care workers
People who are eligible can make their booster appointments by calling 119, using the NHS app, or going to their local doctor’s office or pharmacy.
Why is it important to stay informed?
As the winter months approach, health experts stress how important it is to stay up to date on how COVID-19 is changing. XEC is growing faster than earlier strains, but there is hope that the current surge might not be too bad, especially since many people are getting vaccinated.
Disclaimer: This article is just for your knowledge and is not meant to be medical advice. If you want specific information or help about COVID-19 or vaccinations, you should talk to a doctor or the health authorities. Always do what health officials tell you to do and follow the most recent public health advice.