COVID-19 XEC mutant goes crazy! Experts warn that there may be a major outbreak of COVID-19 in the upcoming autumn and winter season

The latest variant of COVID-19, XEC, is spreading rapidly in many countries. Although it has not been officially listed as a variant by the World Health Organization (WHO), many medical experts have noticed this trend and warned that it may become the main strain this autumn and winter.

According to reports from foreign media such as CBS, TODAY.com, and European News, XEC is a combination of Omicron sub variants KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It was discovered in Berlin at the end of June this year and has rapidly spread in Europe, North America, and Asia. Currently, it has been detected in at least 11 European countries and at least 4 other continents, with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark showing the most significant growth. Cases have also been reported in at least 25 states in the United States.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Tennessee, said that like other Omicron sub variants, "XEC is highly contagious and very easy to spread," spreading from person to person through droplets produced by breathing, speaking, coughing, and blowing nose.

XEC cases have surged in multiple countries. The picture shows a street scene during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

Andrew Pekosz, Deputy Director of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, stated that at least one mutation in XEC occurs in the spike protein, making it more infectious and able to evade the human immune system. However, it is currently unclear whether these abilities outperform previous variants.

In addition, XEC symptoms include cough, fatigue, headache, runny nose, sore throat, body pain, fever or chills, shortness of breath, nausea or loss of appetite, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell. The situation of infection varies from person to person, and some people may also be asymptomatic patients. However, it has not yet shown symptoms or severe conditions different from other mutant strains.

Experts admit that it is currently difficult to determine whether or when XEC will trigger a new wave of epidemic surge, but what is certain is that with the arrival of autumn and winter, respiratory diseases will become more prevalent. It is recommended to get vaccinated on time, avoid contact with patients, wear masks in crowded rooms, improve ventilation, and maintain good hand hygiene.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that if you are sick, it is best to stay at home and rest for at least 24 hours without symptoms or fever in order to resume normal activities.

Source: ETtoday