A new Covid variant known as XEC is beginning to spread, sparking concerns among health officials. First detected in Germany in June, cases of the XEC variant have since been reported in the UK, US, Denmark, and several other countries, as noted by users on X, previously Twitter. This variant possesses new mutations that could enhance its transmission during the autumn season, although experts assert that vaccines should continue to provide protection against severe illness. The NHS is offering free booster shots for individuals at higher risk of serious health issues related to Covid.
While vaccines have been updated to better align with recent variants, XEC has originated from earlier Omicron subvariants and is not included in these updates. Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, explained to BBC News that XEC may have a slight edge in transmission compared to other recent variants, but vaccines are expected to offer effective protection. There is a possibility that XEC will become the predominant subvariant during the winter months.
Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, indicated that XEC is in the early stages of spreading. He remarked that it may take weeks to a couple of months before it significantly impacts case numbers. According to Topol, XEC appears poised to become the next major variant, but its rise in prevalence may still be some time away.