Covid XEC variant is touted to become the dominant strain in the coming months and people must watch out for the symptoms of this new strain that experts say can cause more 'flu-like' symptoms and wipe out people. While it's not easy to distinguish between different strains of Omicron variant, as people report similar signs and symptoms which are mild and manageable. But there are certain tell-tale signs of the new variant people can take note of.
Coughing fit, one of the symptoms of XEC variant
Coughing fit, as per NHS, has been described as one of the many symptoms of XEC, which is spreading fast in the US and UK. Experts have advised that if you are experiencing this symptom and coughing a lot, you should isolate yourself and avoid meeting other people.
Fatigue and exhaustion
Recent Covid strains from XEC to FLiRT variant, show up mild symptoms, and people may be even able to work and go about doing their regular chores, but this is the reason they spread more efficiently among people, infecting vulnerable population and putting them at risk of hospitalisation. However, over a period of time these symptoms can leave you tired, say experts. This is especially true in case of Covid XEC.
Like every other new strain, the new XEC variant has additional mutations, which means it is more infectious than others. First found in Germany, XEC is spreading fast in the US, UK , China, Poland, Norway, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Portugal. XEC is a recombinant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. Both KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 are descendants of the JN.1 strain.
Other common symptoms
The other symptoms of XEC include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, difficulty in breathing, muscle and body pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
XEC is spreading fast and the recent numbers from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a 21.6% spike in England's Covid cases in a week.
If diagnosed with XEC and running a high temperature, it is important to stay at home and avoid contact with others, especially vulnerable populations. Upon testing positive, it is advised to not step out and avoid contact with others for three days.
Do not take your Covid symptoms lightly and take adequate rest to make a fast recovery. Eat wholesome foods that boost your immunity and avoid processed ones.
