COVID XEC: Should you worry about the new fast-spreading Omicron subvariant?

The COVID XEC variant has recently gained attention due to its rapid spread across Europe and concerns that it might soon become dominant. First identified in Germany in June 2024, the variant has since been detected in over a dozen countries, including the UK and the US. As with other variants of SARS-CoV-2, XEC is a subvariant of Omicron, and the symptoms of the disease caused by the KP.3 lineage virus largely mirror those of previous strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, and muscle aches.

Is XEC more dangerous?

Although the XEC has shown signs of being more contagious than other recent variants, experts do not believe it poses a greater risk of severe disease for most people. Dr Eric Topol, a leading voice in COVID research, suggests that while XEC may soon outcompete other subvariants due to its transmissibility, existing vaccines should still offer protection. This is because XEC remains an Omicron subvariant, meaning it shares enough genetic similarity for current vaccines to be effective.

Should you be worried?

While XEC is spreading, experts emphasise that its arrival doesn’t signal a drastic shift in the COVID landscape. It’s not a new strain requiring another Greek letter designation, and it hasn't been shown to cause more severe disease compared to other Omicron subvariants. However, with colder months approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, where respiratory infections typically increase, XEC’s impact might be more noticeable.
While the new COVID XEC has begun to rapidly spread across Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia, fortunately, there have not yet been confirmed reports of the variant reaching India.

To reduce your risk, it's essential to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, and remain vigilant, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. While we’re no longer in the early stages of the pandemic, COVID-19 remains unpredictable, and experts continue to monitor variants like XEC closely.