Janice R. Andrews
A new COVID-19 variant, XEC, is starting to get attention in Europe, and it’s already been spotted in the U.S. As doctors keep an eye on this variant, they’re urging everyone to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves, especially with winter around the corner.
What Exactly Is the XEC Variant?
XEC is part of the Omicron family, which has been responsible for many of the COVID-19 cases over the past few years. According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, the XEC variant is “reasonably contagious.” It’s a combination of two Omicron subvariants, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which were circulating earlier this year.
The main concern with XEC is that it has some new mutations on its spike protein—this is the part of the virus that helps it enter your cells. These mutations might make it easier for XEC to spread. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins, points out that as the virus evolves, it finds ways to get around the immunity we’ve built from previous infections or vaccinations.
Where Has XEC Been Detected?
Right now, XEC is primarily being found in Europe, with cases in countries like Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. But it’s not limited to Europe—China has also reported cases, and there have been 23 cases in the U.S., including a few in California.
Dr. Adalja thinks that if XEC proves to be a more resilient version of the virus, it could spread to more countries. However, the timing of this spread will likely vary based on each country’s situation.
What Are the Symptoms?
So far, XEC doesn’t seem to be causing any new or different symptoms compared to other COVID-19 variants. The usual symptoms are still the ones to watch for:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea or diarrhea
If you start feeling any of these symptoms, especially in areas where XEC is spreading, it’s a good idea to take a home COVID test to confirm.
Will the Current Vaccines Protect Against XEC?
This is where things get a bit tricky. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are based on the KP.2 strain, which is somewhat related to XEC, but they aren’t a perfect match. Dr. Adalja says it’s unclear how effective the updated shot will be against XEC, but he expects it might not be the best fit for long-lasting protection against this variant.
However, the good news is that the vaccine should still offer protection against severe illness, especially for people at higher risk. Dr. Schaffner recommends getting the vaccine, particularly as winter approaches, when COVID-19 cases tend to rise.
How Can You Protect Yourself from XEC?
Doctors are still emphasizing the basics: get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t already, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Dr. Schaffner suggests that October is a great time to get the shot, as it can offer protection through the winter months.
In addition to the vaccine, you can reduce your risk by wearing masks, especially in crowded indoor spaces or while traveling. Masks like KN95 or N95 offer the best protection. Dr. Adalja also suggests keeping home COVID tests on hand and using them if you develop symptoms. If you’re high-risk and test positive, talk to your doctor about antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.
At this point, COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere. It’s become an endemic virus, meaning we’re going to be living with it for the foreseeable future. Variants like XEC will likely continue to emerge, so staying prepared and taking recommended precautions will help you navigate this new normal.
