COVID-19 XEC Variant: Symptoms and What You Need to Know

The COVID-19 XEC variant, a combination of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, has been gaining attention due to its rapid spread and potential increased transmissibility. Health officials emphasize that the symptoms of the XEC variant are largely similar to those of other COVID-19 strains.

Common symptoms associated with the XEC variant include high fever, body aches, fatigue, cough or sore throat, congestion, runny nose, chills, shortness of breath, nausea or loss of appetite, diarrhea, and loss of taste or smell.

There is currently no evidence suggesting that the XEC variant causes more severe symptoms than other circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, its mutations may enhance its transmissibility, making it potentially more evasive and contagious than earlier omicron strains.

Health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), recommend staying updated with the latest COVID-19 vaccines, as protection from previous vaccination or infection declines over time. The CDC advises that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to be effective against the XEC variant.

In preparation for the winter respiratory virus surge, health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza. This is particularly important as the risk of transmission increases with people spending more time indoors during colder weather.