A new COVID just dropped, and this one has legs. The new COVID XEC variant has been spotted in 27 countries, and health officials think it has the chance to become the new dominant strain over the next few months. Fortunately, the same officials aren’t too concerned about what happens if that’s the case.
No alarm needed for new COVID XEC variant
COVID XEC is a subfamily of the omicron variant and was first detected in June in Germany. According to the BBC, in the months since, it’s been spreading across Europe and is now found in North America and Asia as well. However, it could take a few weeks to months before it becomes the dominant strain in the world.
Fortunately, there are no special surprises with COVID XEC. The possible symptoms remain the same as with past variants:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- General malaise
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Short throat
- Shortness of breath
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Temporary loss of smell
- Temporary loss of taste
Of course, flu season is nearly upon us, which means your chances of catching any variant of COVID will increase. By now, you likely have had the standard precautions drilled into you:
- If you haven’t been vaccinated, do so.
- Schedule a COVID booster if you’re not up to date.
- Wear a mask in crowded areas.
- Avoid large gatherings (especially indoors)
- Maintain distance from others.
- Wash your hands often.
- Quarantine and test for COVID if you show symptoms.
Most people who catch COVID get well within a few weeks with little or no medical intervention. However, the virus affects everyone differently, and according to the CDC, it can be deadly for specific populations like:
- People older than 65.
- Those with preexisting medical conditions:
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Hemoglobin blood disorders
- HIV
- Immunocompromised people
- Mental health disorders
- Organ or blood stem cell transplantees
- Overweight or obese
- Pregnant
- Smokers
- Substance use disorders
- Tuberculosis
Though a new COVID variant might sound like a big deal, it’s normal for viruses to evolve over time. Unfortunately, we’ll have to deal with new strains of COVID just like we do the flu.
