A new variant of Covid-19 called XEC has been identified in Germany, and according to scientists, it could soon become the dominant type globally. The variant has since been reported in the UK, US, Denmark, and several other countries. Experts warn that the new strain has mutations that could help it spread more easily in the coming months, but the vaccines can still prevent severe cases. For individuals who are more likely to become seriously ill from Covid, a free booster shot is available through the NHS.
Although the vaccines have been updated to better match recent variants, XEC has emerged from earlier Omicron subvariants. According to Professor Francois Balloux from the Genetics Institute at University College London, the vaccines should still offer adequate protection despite the slight transmission advantage of the XEC variant over other recent Covid strains. However, he added that it is possible for XEC to become the dominant subvariant over the winter.
The Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, Eric Topol, warns that XEC is “just getting started”. Despite reports of “strong growth” in Denmark and Germany, precise data on the spread of Covid-19 is difficult to gather since routine testing has become less common. Symptoms of XEC are thought to be similar to those of the flu, including a high temperature, body aches, fatigue, and a cough or sore throat.
The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes that it is usual for viruses to mutate and change, even though XEC may soon become the dominant Covid subvariant. The primary vaccination drive for flu and Covid begins in October, though some may receive their shots earlier. Qualifying individuals for free booster vaccines include those over 64, those living in care homes for older adults, those over six months in a clinical risk group, and some front-line NHS, care-home, and social-care workers
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