A new variant of the Covid virus called XEC is spreading rapidly in Europe. It was first identified in Germany in June and has so far spread to more than 13 countries. This strain is a mixture of the Omicron subvariants – KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.

KS.1.1 is a FLiRT variant that is contributing to the rise in Covid cases in various regions around the world. KP.3.3 is a type of FLuQE variant, where the amino acid glutamine is changed to glutamic acid in the spike protein, making it more efficient at attaching to human cells.

As per reports, experts say that there are some new mutations in XEC, which is why it is important to take the vaccine and booster shots.

Britain’s National Health Service has offered free booster shots for people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19.

Covid data analyst Mike Honey at XEC said there has been “strong growth” in XEC in Denmark and Germany.

They wrote: “The recombinant variant XEC continues to spread, and appears to be the likely next challenger against the now-dominant DeFLuQE variant (KP.3.1.1.). The following are the major countries reporting XEC. There have been strong increases in Denmark and Germany (16-17%), as well as the U.K. and the Netherlands (11-13%).”

The UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) said it is normal for the virus to mutate and change.

Symptoms are thought to be similar to those of a cold or flu, much like the Omicron variant, including fever, sore throat or cough, body aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Most people feel better within a few weeks of COVID but recovery may take longer.

Can vaccines help?

Vaccines are safe and can protect against all variants of Covid. Since XEC is a lineage of the Omicron variant, vaccines can help fight the virus.