Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Sept 10, 2024 2:52:59 GMT
New COVID Subvariant 'XEC' Could Lead To Massive Increase In Cases: Report - Published Sept 8, 2024
A newly discovered COVID-19 subvariant, known as XEC, is quickly spreading throughout Europe, prompting health authorities to closely monitor its development. First identified in Germany, XEC has now been detected in other parts of Western Europe, including the Netherlands. Scientists and physicians are concerned that this subvariant could soon overtake the current dominant strain, KP.3.1.1, which remains the most prevalent variant in the United States.
Experts believe that XEC is still in its early stages and may take several weeks or even months to significantly impact global case numbers. According to a California-based physician, who spoke to the Los Angeles Times, XEC is “just getting started.” Although it appears to be gaining momentum, experts warn that it could take time before it reaches high levels of transmission and prevalence.
In the U.S., XEC has already appeared, but its prevalence is still low. It is not yet being tracked individually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which requires a variant to circulate above 1 per cent nationally for two consecutive weeks to be officially monitored. Despite this, experts are keeping a watchful eye on the subvariant’s potential growth and spread.
Earlier this year, the COVID-19 landscape saw a shift when the dominant subvariant JN.1, which led the winter wave, was gradually replaced by other emerging subvariants. Among these was a group nicknamed FLiRT, named for two key mutations (F456L and R346T). However, as the summer progressed, even newer variants emerged, showing greater growth potential than FLiRT. XEC now appears to be part of this evolving pattern of subvariant dominance.
Measures to Keep Yourself Safe
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community. With the emergence of new subvariants like XEC, here are some key measures you can take to reduce your risk:
- Get Vaccinated and Stay Up-to-Date with Boosters
Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools against COVID-19. Ensure you’re up to date with your vaccines and booster shots. While vaccines may not fully prevent infection, they are highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations, and deaths, even against new variants.
- Wear Masks in High-Risk Areas
Masking continues to be an important preventive measure, especially in crowded or indoor settings where ventilation may be poor. Consider wearing a well-fitted N95 or surgical mask in public spaces, particularly in areas with rising case numbers or where variants like XEC are spreading.
- Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
- Stay Informed
Keep an eye on public health updates from trusted sources like the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and your local health authorities. Being aware of the latest guidance and information on new variants will help you make informed decisions about your health and safety.
- Improve Indoor Ventilation
Since COVID-19 can spread through airborne transmission, improving ventilation in indoor spaces can help reduce the risk of infection. Open windows when possible, use air purifiers and consider spending more time outdoors where the virus is less likely to accumulate in high concentrations.
- Practice Physical Distancing
While not as strictly enforced as in the early stages of the pandemic, maintaining a safe distance from others can still help reduce transmission, especially in areas with rising cases. Avoid large gatherings, particularly if you or someone around you is at higher risk for severe illness.
- Monitor Your Health
Stay alert for any symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who is infected or if you’ve travelled to areas where variants like XEC are spreading. Early detection through testing and isolation can prevent further spread of the virus.
A newly discovered COVID-19 subvariant, known as XEC, is quickly spreading throughout Europe, prompting health authorities to closely monitor its development. First identified in Germany, XEC has now been detected in other parts of Western Europe, including the Netherlands. Scientists and physicians are concerned that this subvariant could soon overtake the current dominant strain, KP.3.1.1, which remains the most prevalent variant in the United States.
Experts believe that XEC is still in its early stages and may take several weeks or even months to significantly impact global case numbers. According to a California-based physician, who spoke to the Los Angeles Times, XEC is “just getting started.” Although it appears to be gaining momentum, experts warn that it could take time before it reaches high levels of transmission and prevalence.
In the U.S., XEC has already appeared, but its prevalence is still low. It is not yet being tracked individually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which requires a variant to circulate above 1 per cent nationally for two consecutive weeks to be officially monitored. Despite this, experts are keeping a watchful eye on the subvariant’s potential growth and spread.
Earlier this year, the COVID-19 landscape saw a shift when the dominant subvariant JN.1, which led the winter wave, was gradually replaced by other emerging subvariants. Among these was a group nicknamed FLiRT, named for two key mutations (F456L and R346T). However, as the summer progressed, even newer variants emerged, showing greater growth potential than FLiRT. XEC now appears to be part of this evolving pattern of subvariant dominance.
Measures to Keep Yourself Safe
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community. With the emergence of new subvariants like XEC, here are some key measures you can take to reduce your risk:
- Get Vaccinated and Stay Up-to-Date with Boosters
Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools against COVID-19. Ensure you’re up to date with your vaccines and booster shots. While vaccines may not fully prevent infection, they are highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations, and deaths, even against new variants.
- Wear Masks in High-Risk Areas
Masking continues to be an important preventive measure, especially in crowded or indoor settings where ventilation may be poor. Consider wearing a well-fitted N95 or surgical mask in public spaces, particularly in areas with rising case numbers or where variants like XEC are spreading.
- Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
- Stay Informed
Keep an eye on public health updates from trusted sources like the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and your local health authorities. Being aware of the latest guidance and information on new variants will help you make informed decisions about your health and safety.
- Improve Indoor Ventilation
Since COVID-19 can spread through airborne transmission, improving ventilation in indoor spaces can help reduce the risk of infection. Open windows when possible, use air purifiers and consider spending more time outdoors where the virus is less likely to accumulate in high concentrations.
- Practice Physical Distancing
While not as strictly enforced as in the early stages of the pandemic, maintaining a safe distance from others can still help reduce transmission, especially in areas with rising cases. Avoid large gatherings, particularly if you or someone around you is at higher risk for severe illness.
- Monitor Your Health
Stay alert for any symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who is infected or if you’ve travelled to areas where variants like XEC are spreading. Early detection through testing and isolation can prevent further spread of the virus.