By William J. Furney
A new variant of covid is sweeping across Europe, and its name is XEC. Identified in Germany in June, this highly contagious strain is causing a stir among scientists and public health officials. With its rapid spread across the UK, Netherlands, Spain and beyond, XEC has many wondering whether we’re in for another wave as colder months approach.
What Is XEC and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
XEC is a recombinant strain, which means it’s a blend of two variants of the virus. It happens when two strains infect the same host and merge, creating something new. It’s not unusual — recombinant variants have appeared before — but XEC’s particular combination has allowed it to spread fast, outpacing other variants in certain regions.
Unlike previous dominant strains like Delta or earlier Omicron subvariants, XEC isn’t necessarily more deadly or severe. The symptoms it causes, such as sore throat, fever, headaches and muscle aches, are much the same as what we’ve seen with earlier strains. But its contagiousness is what’s raising eyebrows. As Dr. Eric Topol, a leading scientist, pointed out, XEC could soon replace other variants as the dominant one in Europe. “It’s the most likely variant to get legs next,” he said on X, referring to its potential to cause the next significant wave.
How Does It Spread?
One of XEC’s defining features is its transmissibility. While we’re not seeing anything as catastrophic as the early days of the pandemic, it’s still causing concern due to how quickly it’s spreading. It’s already responsible for a significant number of new covid cases in the UK and other European countries, and it’s likely to expand further as temperatures drop and people spend more time indoors.
Though it’s moving fast across Europe, XEC has yet to gain the same foothold in the United States. But experts there are keeping a close eye on it, particularly because winter typically sees a rise in respiratory infections.
What About Vaccines?
The good news is that existing vaccines are expected to offer protection against XEC. Because it’s still a strain of Omicron, the latest covid vaccines, which were updated to handle recent variants, should be effective. That means if you’ve already received your booster shot this season, you’re likely in good shape. But health officials are urging those who haven’t yet had the latest jab to get vaccinated, especially as we head into winter.
One important note: while vaccines reduce the severity of illness, they don’t necessarily prevent transmission. So even if you’re vaccinated, it’s still wise to continue practising good hygiene and be mindful of crowded indoor spaces. Masks, handwashing and staying home when feeling unwell remain key in preventing the virus’s spread.
Should You Be Worried?
There’s no need for panic, but caution is advised. XEC isn’t showing signs of causing more severe illness than previous variants, but that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down. Covid still poses a risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised. As always, if you’re experiencing symptoms like fever, persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell, it’s a good idea to get tested and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.
What’s particularly concerning about XEC is its potential to become the dominant strain just in time for winter, when respiratory infections like flu and RSV also surge. Hospitals are bracing for this possibility, as a combination of flu and covid infections can strain healthcare systems.
What Can You Do?
The advice for dealing with XEC isn’t too different from what we’ve been hearing throughout the pandemic. Stay up to date with your vaccines, wash your hands regularly and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. If you feel sick, stay home — especially if you have symptoms like a fever, sore throat or loss of smell, which are common with XEC.
For those with vulnerable family members or friends, it’s also a good idea to be extra vigilant. As with previous waves, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are most at risk of severe illness from covid. Encourage loved ones to get vaccinated and to practise caution in crowded or enclosed spaces.
What’s Next?
It’s still early days for XEC, but experts are watching closely to see how this variant behaves. There’s no immediate cause for alarm, but public health officials are urging caution, particularly for those at higher risk of complications. While this may feel like déjà vu for many, the key difference now is that we have tools — vaccines, treatments and knowledge — that can help us stay one step ahead of the virus.
For now, keep an eye on updates from health officials, get your vaccines and stay vigilant. Covid hasn’t disappeared, and XEC is a reminder that we still need to take precautions to protect ourselves and others.
* Image: File.