COVID-19 is like a quicksand, we feel like we are going up but are going down faster than we can comprehend. The more we think we are out of the woods, the soon we realize it was all a mirage. So, we all started living with the endemic and whenever a new variant comes, the endemic future is getting sealed in platinum. The newest COVID-19 variant which has caught everyone’s attention is Variant XE.
The concerns escalated when a woman from Mumbai with a history of travel to South Africa became the first individual in India to test positive for the new Covid XE variant.
Everything about Variant XE:
- XE’ is a mutant cross between the two preceding Omicron variants, BA.1 and BA.2.
- When compared to BA.2 subvariant, XE has a community growth rate advantage of roughly 10%.
- It may become the most prevalent strain because of its great transmissibility.
- Around January 19, the first symptoms of XE were discovered in the UK. The XE variant has also been detected in Thailand and New Zealand. XE infection has been reported in 637 people.
As per research, people who haven’t caught COVID-19 yet have interpersonal issues.
Symptoms of Variant XE:
- Runny noses/ Nasal Congestion
- Sore throats
- Sneezing
- Breathing problems
- Aching body/ Exhaustion
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Being ill or feeling sick
- Skin Irritation and Discolouration
- Gastrointestinal distress.
To make any conclusions on transmissibility, severity, or vaccine efficacy, there is inadequate evidence.
What do Indian Expert say:
Even though WHO has issued a warning about the transmissibility of Variation XE, Indian virologist Gagandeep Kang believes that the new XE coronavirus variant is unlikely to be more severe than the Omicron and its sub-variants.
Vaccines are beneficial in preventing severe COVID infections, according to experts. Senior citizens are given a booster dosage, also known as a preventative dose, to keep their immune systems vigilant to pathogens and protect them in the long run.
There is presently no serious indication of a COVID fourth wave, but we must realise that Omicron Variant has already infected 40-50% of the Indian population, making them the most likely the next target.
Remember that COVID is still active, so continue to take precautions to stay safe and healthy.