New COVID-19 XEC variant circulating just before fall

A brand new COVID-19 variant, XEC, has arrived simply earlier than fall.

The brand new variant has sprouted from the omicron variant that developed in late 2021. Though XEC is new, Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at College School London, instructed the BBC that he can be shocked if it turned the dominant variant all through winter.

Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention researchers point out that the vaccine and booster photographs ought to defend in opposition to the brand new variant. Here’s what we all know concerning the XEC variant and what you are able to do to remain wholesome.

What we find out about XEC COVID-19 variant

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention has but to listing this variant below its variants and genomic surveillance listing. Nonetheless, Andrew Pekosz, a professor in immunology at Johns Hopkins, says signs are just like previous strains and do not look like extra extreme.

In keeping with the BBC, the signs mirror cold-like emotions:

A excessive temperature
Aches
Tiredness
A cough or sore throat

And so far as we all know, you shouldn’t be involved with anybody in case your signs are noticeable.

Learn how to defend in opposition to COVID-19 and its variants

CDC Well being professionals advise these six months and older to get vaccinated to assist battle off COVID-19 and the strains that come from it.

For individuals who are wholesome and need to forestall any respiratory sickness, Tarrant County suggests doing the next:

Keep away from shut contact with people who find themselves sick.
Keep residence from work, college and errands when you find yourself sick.
Cowl your mouth with a tissue to comprise coughing and sneezing —and a masks in case you’re exterior in your personal safety.
Wash your fingers typically with cleaning soap and water.
Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril or mouth.
Clear and disinfect generally touched surfaces, particularly when somebody is unwell.

If testing constructive for COVID-19 the CDC suggests the next remedies to battle it off:

Most individuals with COVID-19 have delicate sickness and might get well at residence. You possibly can deal with signs with over-the-counter medicines, comparable to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to assist really feel higher.
Adults, youngsters ages 12 years and older can go to their main care physician: Nirmatrelvir with Ritonavir (Paxlovid) Antiviral. Begin as quickly as doable; should start inside 5 days of when signs begin.
Adults and youngsters can go to their PCP: Veklury (remdesivir) Antiviral. Begin as quickly as doable; should start inside seven days of when signs begin.
Adults who go to their PCP: Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) Antiviral. Begin as quickly as doable; should start inside 5 days of when signs begin.

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