This is what you need to know about the new variant

A new variant of the coronavirus is currently spreading. It’s called XEC and is considered very contagious. However, there are no signs that it makes you more seriously ill or that the current immune protection is not effective, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

The proportion of XEC among infections is increasing, especially in Germany and Denmark. The new variant already accounts for 16 to 17 percent of cases, according to an analysis by data analyst Mike Honey. Corona XEC is increasingly displacing the previously dominant Sars-CoV-2 subline KP.3.1.1. “XEC appears to be a likely next challenger to the now dominant variant KP.3.1.1,” said Honey on X. The virus is also spreading in the USA and Canada.

These are the symptoms of XEC-Corona

According to the, the symptoms of Corona XEC are similar BBC those of a cold or flu. Those who are sick may experience fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache and body aches.

The previously dominant Sars-CoV-2 subline KP.3.1.1 accounts for 43 percent in Germany. The new XEC subline is now circulating with a share of 28 percent (previous week: 21 percent). XEC was first recorded in Germany in July. According to the RKI, the risk to public health posed by both sublines is still classified as low.

For these people, a vaccination against Corona is worthwhile

The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends that people aged 60 and over and adults with underlying illnesses get a booster vaccination against Corona in the autumn. A flu vaccination is also particularly recommended for certain groups of people.

The number of respiratory diseases in Germany is high

Since it got cold, the number of respiratory diseases in Germany has been quite high. According to an RKI report, there are a total of around 7.3 million acute respiratory diseases in the population. People were primarily infected with rhinoviruses and coronaviruses.

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