New Covid variant XEC is spreading fast in Europe: Know all about it

A new variant of the Covid virus called the XEC is spreading quickly in Europe. It was first identified in Germany in June and has so far reached more than 13 countries. The strain is a combination of the omicron subvariants – KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
KS.1.1 is a FLiRT variant contributing to the rise in Covid cases in various regions worldwide. KP.3.3 is a type of FLuQE variant, where the amino acid glutamine is mutated to gluatmic acidn the spike protein, which makes it more efficient in binding to human cells.
According to reports, XEC has some new mutations which is why it is important to take vaccines and booster shots, experts say.
UK’s National Health Service has offered free booster shots for those more likely to get seriously ill from Covid-19.
Covid data analyst Mike Honey, said in X, that there has been “strong growth” XEC in Denmark and Germany.
He wrote: “Recombinant variant XEC is continuing to spread, and looks a likely next challenger against the now-dominant DeFLuQE variants (KP.3.1.1.). Here are the leading countries reporting XEC. Strong growth in Denmark and Germany (16-17%), also the UK and Netherlands (11-13%).”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.
Symptoms are thought to be the same cold or flu-like ones as before, much like the omicron variants including fever, sore throat or cough, body aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
Most people feel better within a few weeks of Covid but it can take longer to recover.
CAN VACCINES HELP?
Vaccines are safe and can protect against all variants of Covid. Since XEC is a lineage of the omicron variant, vaccines can help fight the virus.