There’s no evidence of a COVID-19 variant named “Straus” spreading globally. However, a new variant called XEC is gaining attention. Here’s what we know about it:
What is XEC?
XEC is a recombinant variant, formed by combining two Omicron subvariants, KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It’s part of the Omicron lineage and has been detected in multiple countries, including France, the US, the UK, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Symptoms and Severity
Symptoms of XEC are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, including:
– Sore throat
– Fever
– Fatigue
– Muscle aches
– Cough
– Hoarseness (reported in some cases)
The severity of symptoms varies, but most cases have been reported as mild. XEC doesn’t seem to cause more severe illness than previous variants.
Transmission and Spread
XEC spreads through respiratory droplets, similar to other COVID-19 variants. Its transmissibility is still being studied, but it appears to spread easily, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
Vaccine Effectiveness
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against XEC in preventing severe disease. However, ongoing studies are assessing the variant’s potential impact on vaccine effectiveness.
Prevention Measures
To protect yourself and others, continue practicing:
– Social distancing
– Wearing masks in public spaces
– Hand hygiene
– Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring XEC, but it hasn’t been classified as a “variant of interest” yet
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