The new corona variant XEC was detected for the first time in Germany in July. The mutation spreads quickly in this country over the late summer. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) states that XEC is now responsible for 21 percent of corona infections.
The variant appears to be even more contagious than its already highly infectious predecessors. Among other things, wastewater monitoring showed a sharp increase in incidence. This doubled compared to the previous week to 1,500 Covid cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Should we be worried about another lockdown in the cold season?
New Covid wave
Virologist Martin Sturmer denies this, but believes it is likely that we will experience a new Covid wave this autumn. “We have to prepare for different scenarios,” explains the expert in an interview with the broadcaster ntv. The virus continues to evolve and adapt, which means that some people continue to suffer from infection for a long time.
Nevertheless, according to the scientist, the mutation is “no more dangerous than previously known variants”. Data on intensive care bed occupancy, hospital visits and deaths also do not indicate more serious clinical effects of XEC.
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XEC-Symptome
People who have been infected with the XEC virus have so far reported the common corona symptoms. These include fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat as well as sometimes severe headaches and body aches.
There may also be a temporary loss of sense of taste and smell. Overall, however, those affected report a rather mild course of the disease.
Nevertheless, he warns not to take an infection seriously. Long Covid remains a significant risk and every precaution should continue to be taken to avoid infection as much as possible.
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Another corona vaccination
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) only recommends a new corona vaccination for older people aged 60 and over and people with weakened immune systems. Virologist Sandra Ciesek also advises relatives of immunocompromised people in particular to get vaccinated now to prevent infection during the current wave.
