New Covid variant XEC is spreading fast in Europe: Know all about it|
Hybrid COVID Variant XEC: What You Need to Know
The new XEC variant of coronavirus was identified in Germany and is spreading rapidly in Europe. It is a hybrid of two omicron subvariants. A new variant of the Covid virus called the XEC is spreading quickly in Europe. It was first identified in Germany in June and has so far reached more tha …
"XEC is a hybrid variant, meaning it’s a combination of two or more existing COVID strains. While hybrid variants have popped up before, XEC is a new one that’s raising eyebrows because of itshigher transmission rate. It's a recombinant virus, which essentially means it has mixed genetic material from different strains of COVID.""So, why is XEC more contagious? Well, scientists are still studying it, but early reports suggest it combines the high transmissibility of previous variants like Delta or Omicron with other mutations that may help it spread more efficiently. These mutations could help it attach more easily to cells or evade some immune responses, even in vaccinated individuals.""Vaccines have been a game-changer throughout the pandemic, but how effective are they against XEC? Early research indicates that current vaccines may still offer protection, particularly against severe disease and hospitalization, but their effectiveness in preventing infection may be reduced. That’s why boosters, especially targeting newer variants, are important to keep immunity levels high."
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00:00Just when we thought COVID was starting to become a thing of the past, a new hybrid variant has emerged, XCC.
00:06It's more contagious, and it's catching the attention of health experts worldwide.
00:12But what exactly is XCC, and what do we need to know about it?
00:16XCC is a hybrid variant, meaning it's a combination of two or more existing COVID strains.
00:22While hybrid variants have popped up before, XCC is a new one that's raising eyebrows because of its higher transmission rate.
00:30It's a recombinant virus, which essentially means it has mixed genetic material from different strains of COVID.
00:37So, why is XCC more contagious?
00:40Well, scientists are still studying it, but early reports suggest it combines the high transmissibility of previous variants like Delta or Omicron with other mutations that may help it spread more efficiently.
00:52These mutations could help it attach more easily to cells or evade some immune responses, even in vaccinated individuals.
01:00The good news is that the symptoms of XCC appear to be similar to those of other COVID variants – fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath.
01:11However, as with any variant, the severity of symptoms can vary based on your health status, age, and vaccination status.
01:19Vaccines have been a game-changer throughout the pandemic, but how effective are they against XCC?
01:26Early research indicates that current vaccines may still offer protection, particularly against severe disease and hospitalization, but their effectiveness in preventing infection may be reduced.
01:37That's why boosters, especially targeting newer variants, are important to keep immunity levels high.
01:43So, should we be worried?
01:45While it's too early to panic, health authorities are monitoring XCC closely.
01:51It's a reminder that COVID is still around, and it's evolving.
01:55Staying informed, getting vaccinated, and continuing to follow public health guidelines are the best ways to protect yourself and others.
02:03As we learn more about the XCC variant, remember that knowledge is power.
02:08Stay updated, stay safe, and we'll keep you informed.
02:12If you found this video helpful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more updates.
02:18The side effects of newly discovered COVID-19 strain XCC might not be as severe, but is part of the more contagious variant class, experts say.
02:28The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, defines XCC as recombinant or hybrid of the strains KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both from the Omicron family that became the predominant strain in the U.S. late December 2022.
02:46The variant, which first appeared in Berlin in late June, has increasingly seen hundreds of cases in Germany, France, Denmark, and Netherlands, according to a report by Australia-based data integration specialist Mike Honey.
02:59XCC has also been reported in at least 25 U.S. states, though there could be more as genetic testing is not done on every positive test, RTI international epidemiologist Joella W. Adams said.