NEW COVID-19
- Jin Lee
- Feb 23, 2025
- 1 min read
23 Feb, 2025
By Jin Lee
The new COVID-19 variant XEC is a global problem as the variant first occurred in Germany in June 2024. It is the recombinant variant of the combination of the Omicron subvariants KP.3.3 and KS.1.1. It is present in 29 countries currently, from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and beyond.
Health experts have revealed XEC is more contagious than the previous versions. In the state of Queensland in Australia, COVID-19 hospitalization doubled in the month of December 2024 in just two weeks, with the majority being aged over 65 who were also not fully vaccinated.
Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination in reducing the impact of XEC. More recent vaccines for the current subvariants have been developed, with health authorities recommending vaccination for all individuals over the age of six months, with a booster for individuals over the age of 65. Other prevention strategies such as wearing masks in areas with high densities of people and maintaining good hygiene remain vital.
The World Health Organization and other international health agencies closely track XEC's spread and progression. Although the present vaccines have been found to be protective against severe disease, research continues with the aim of fully grasping its impact. Health authorities continue to encourage people to remain aware and be mindful of the guidelines for safety measures in the hopes of slowing the spread.
