What should you know about its spread and how to protect yourself?

A new coronavirus variant has emerged in recent months and has caught the attention of health experts: XEC option. While it is true that authorities do not yet consider it a public health variant, its ability to spread quickly has raised concerns in Europe and other parts of the world.

What do we know about the XEC variant?

XEC option This is a mixture of the two previous sub-variants of omicron, KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 which are currently circulating in Europe. It was first discovered in Berlin in June last year and has since been identified in at least 11 European countries, including France, Denmark, Spain, Italy and the UK, as well as other countries outside the continent. Although it still represents small percentage of samples sequenced (about 1% in some countries such as Slovenia, Belgium and the Netherlands), its rapid spread forced experts to closely monitor its development.

“The symptoms it causes are similar to those of other Omicron variants.”

This variant has attracted attention because of the mutations it contains, which may facilitate its transmission during the fall and winter months. Although sequencing data does not always reflect the real situation in the general population, these tools allow scientists to identify new variants early and provide timely recommendations to health authorities.

Recommendations for protection: vaccination and prevention

Although XEC variant is spreading rapidlythe symptoms it causes seem to be similar to those of other omicron variants, meaning we’re going to find cough, fever, sore throat and fatigue. As for vaccines, the ones we’ve received against COVID-19 are considered equally effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalizations caused by the variant, although it’s always advisable to stay on top of booster doses, especially as winter approaches.

For reduce the risk of infectionIt is important to follow the basic preventive measures that we already know and which have proven effective in containing the virus:

1. Vaccination: Stay up to date with recommended booster doses as vaccination remains the best protection against severe COVID-19.
2. Using masks: Although wearing a mask is not mandatory in many places, it is still an effective measure, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, or if any symptoms occur.
3. Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent infections.
4. Avoid crowded places: Maintaining physical distancing whenever possible, especially in crowded settings, remains a valid recommendation to reduce the risk of infection.

Although the XEC option has not yet reached the level of concern of previous options, it is extremely important. Follow the recommendations of experts and be attentive to any updates on the evolution of the virus. Surveillance will continue to play a key role in detecting and monitoring new variants, and it is likely that we will continue to hear about XEC in the coming months.