On the one hand: a new, apparently highly contagious Sars-CoV-2 variant called XEC. On the other hand: so far there are no signs that XEC makes you more seriously ill than the previous variants and also no indication that the previous immune protection is not effective.
This is the summary of the current Corona situation as virologists are currently finding it everywhere in Europe.
From the point of view of many experts, it is manageable because XEC is a subtype of the well-known Omicron variant.
Mutation was expected
It was exactly expected that Sars-CoV-2 would continue to mutate. The only question was when and how. Apparently XEC is a bit more sophisticated than previous variants and seems to be spreading faster.
Anyone who contracts coronavirus in the coming months is likely to get XEC: According to the RKI At the last measurement, it accounted for 30 percent of the corona infections. The omicron sublineage KP.3.1.1 was 59 percent.
What symptoms indicate an infection with XEC?
Fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches – anyone who has ever had Corona as a healthy person will unfortunately be familiar with these symptoms. The good news: XEC infections usually follow the same course. Many of those affected report rather mild symptoms.
Get vaccinated now?
Scientists are certain: Anyone who has been vaccinated against Corona and has had at least one infection should also be able to cope with XEC. Severe courses are rather unlikely. Nevertheless, vaccination is recommended for high-risk patients – especially for people with weak immune systems.
“Basically it’s like last year, only the variants and letters are called differently,” says virologist Sandra Ciesek, summarizing the situation in the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
