New Corona variant XEC on the rise: more flu-like and more contagious

It is well known that the number of respiratory diseases and flu-like infections increases in autumn and winter – and so it is not surprising that Corona infections are rising again.

According to the RKI, the Corona incidence in the week up to October 6 was 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which represents a decrease compared to the previous week (1,400 Covid cases). The current RKI report also shows that the new Corona cases are increasingly caused by the XEC variant. The XEC variant was first discovered in Germany in June and is the result of a cross between two sublines of the earlier JN.1 mutation, which in turn belong to the so-called FLIRT variants.

Corona variant XEC highly contagious and more flu-like

Experts believe that XEC could displace all other variants next winter and become the dominant subline. XEC is considered highly contagious.

Dr. Helen Wall, a general practitioner and clinical director of the Greater Manchester Population Health Department, told the Manchester Evening News that the subline currently has a special feature. It appears to be more flu-like than previous Covid variants and is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, cough, body aches and headaches. There is also the possibility that those affected may “feel knocked out” due to the extreme fatigue that occurs.

Symptoms of the XEC variant

The National Health Service in the UK has published a comprehensive list of the flu-like symptoms of the XEC variant. These include

high temperature or fever

chills

persistent cough with coughing fits

diarrhea and feeling sick

As with the previous variants, symptoms can also include loss of taste and smell, headaches and aching limbs, shortness of breath, a stuffy nose and fatigue.

All clear from the RKI: No serious cases

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has given the all clear: Although the new corona variant XEC is highly contagious and can literally “knock some people out” with its symptoms, the risk of serious cases is no higher than with the previous variants.

In addition, the basic immunization of the population in Germany against Covid-19 – whether through vaccination or through surviving infections – helps to reduce serious cases.

However, the RKI recommends that people aged 60 and over, people with an increased risk of a severe course of COVID-19 disease or people with an increased risk of infection receive an annual booster vaccination in the fall.