Experts suggest that while the new COVID-19 variant XEC may have milder side effects, it falls within a class of variants that are more easily spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), XEC is a recombinant variant derived from two strains, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both part of the Omicron family that became the dominant strain in the U.S. as of late December 2022.

This variant was first detected in Berlin at the end of June and has since been responsible for hundreds of cases across Germany, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as reported by Mike Honey, a data integration specialist from Australia.

XEC has been identified in at least 25 states in the U.S., though the actual number may be higher since genetic testing isn’t performed on every positive case, according to epidemiologist Joëlla W. Adams from RTI International.

“We often look at trends in Europe to predict what could happen here,” Adams informed YSL News on Friday. “As we approach a season with multiple viruses, such as flu season, this complicates matters.”

What is the XEC variant?

The new COVID strain XEC is a hybrid created from two Omicron variants: KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

First identified in Berlin in June, this hybrid strain has spread across Europe, North America, and Asia, particularly in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Is the XEC variant more contagious?

There is currently no evidence suggesting that the XEC strain leads to more severe illness, but it could potentially become a predominant variant since Omicron strains are known for their higher transmissibility. Fortunately, the current COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots offer good protection against XEC due to its origins as a hybrid of two Omicron strains.

“These strains have an advantage in transmission compared to others, and although the vaccines are not specifically designed for the XEC variant, they are related,” Adams explained.

Similar to other respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and its latest Omicron variants are likely to spread more during the fall and winter seasons, especially as schools reopen and families gather for holidays, according to Adams.

How can we protect ourselves from XEC and other variants?

The CDC is actively monitoring the emergence of new variants, as stated by spokesperson Rosa Norman.

“For now, we expect that treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 will continue to be effective against all existing variants,” Norman relayed to YSL News. “The CDC will continue to assess the effectiveness of treatments and vaccines against current variants.”

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older, with some exceptions, receive the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for protection against the virus, regardless of past vaccinations or infections.

Norman also urged Americans to keep an eye on the agency’s COVID Data Tracker for updates regarding new variants.

What is the dominant strain of COVID in the US?

The KP.3.1.1 variant is the current dominant strain, accounting for more than half of all positive COVID-19 tests in the U.S., as per recent projections from the CDC.

From September 1 to September 14, KP.3.1.1 made up 52.7% of positive cases, while KP.2.3 represented 12.2%, based on the agency’s Nowcast data tracker, which tracks COVID-19 estimates over two-week periods.

KP.3.1.1 became the leading strain during the two-week period beginning July 21 and ending August 3.

“The KP.3.1.1 variant is highly similar to other circulating variants within the U.S. All current lineages are descendants of JN.1, which emerged in late 2023,” Norman previously stated to YSL News.

COVID XEC symptoms

There is no evidence that the XEC variant presents any unique symptoms.

The CDC continues to list the basic symptoms of COVID-19, which can emerge between two and 14 days after virus exposure and range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

Contributing: Ahjané Forbes