🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 5 (from laksa071)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa005.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62624904/xec-latest-covid-19-variant/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62624904/xec-latest-covid-19-variant/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62624904\/xec-latest-covid-19-variant\/","crawl_time":1775693180,"first_indexed_time":1729095601,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,prevention!www,\/health\/health-conditions\/a62624904\/xec-latest-covid-19-variant\/ s443","src_root_hash":"17612967746049717005","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"All About XEC, the Newest COVID-19 Variant Spreading in the U.S.","meta_descriptions":["XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. and Europe. Infectious disease doctors explain XEC symptoms, treatment, and prevention."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S.\nThe World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant.\nDoctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do.\nCases of\nCOVID-19\nhave\ndipped slightly\nin the U.S. after a large\nsummer wave\n, but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S.\nWhile\nKP.3.1.1\nremains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\n(CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO)\nnoted\nin its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally.\nMeet the experts\n:\nWilliam Schaffner, M.D.,\nan infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert\nAmesh A. Adalja, M.D.,\nsenior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\nSo, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down.\nThe XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says\nWilliam Schaffner, M.D.,\nan infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.\nData\nshow that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of\nKP.3\n, one of the\nFLiRT variants\nthat widely circulated this summer.)\nXEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains.\n“Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert\nAmesh A. Adalja, M.D.\n, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\nWhere has the XEC variant been detected?\nRight now, it’s been\ndetected\nin the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions.\n“I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.”\nXEC COVID-19 variant symptoms\nXEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC:\nFever      or chills\nCough\nShortness      of breath or difficulty breathing\nSore      throat\nCongestion      or runny nose\nNew      loss of taste or smell\nFatigue\nMuscle      or body aches\nHeadache\nNausea      or vomiting\nDiarrhea\nWill the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC?\nYou can now get the\nupdated COVID-19 vaccine\n, but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them.\n“It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.”\nHow to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant\nThe CDC currently\nrecommends\nthat everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated\nCOVID-19 vaccine\nto protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now.\nBut if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent\ntime to get the COVID vaccine\n,” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter.\nWearing a mask (like a\nKN95 or N95\n) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says.\nDr. Adalja recommends having\nhome COVID tests\nhandy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like\nPaxlovid\nif you’re high risk and get infected.\nBut Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says.\nThis article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the\nCDC\n,\nWHO\n, and your\nlocal public health department\nto stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.","attrs_markdown":"[![Search](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/search.f1c199c.svg)Search](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/search\/)\n\n![Close](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/close.38e3324.svg)\n***\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/membership.prevention.com\/prevention-health-360-premium.html?cds_tracking_code=pre_panelnav)\n- [My Bookmarks](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/my-stuff\/)\n- [Shopping](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/shopping\/)\n- [Prevention Premium](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a34689828\/what-is-prevention-premium\/)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/)\n- [Conditions and Diagnoses](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/condition-centers\/)\n- [Weight Loss](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/weight-loss\/)\n- [Fitness](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/fitness\/)\n- [Sex](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/sex\/)\n- [Food & 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[Health](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/)\n2. [Health Conditions](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/)\n3. [What to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant XEC Spreading in the U.S.](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62624904\/xec-latest-covid-19-variant\/)\n# What to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant XEC Spreading in the U.S.\nExpect to hear more about this one in the future.\n\nBy [Korin Miller](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/author\/216238\/korin-miller\/ \"Korin Miller\")\n\nPublished: Oct 16, 2024\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000)\n\n![Open share options](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/sharing.89c15b8.svg)\n\n- *XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S.*\n- *The World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant.*\n- *Doctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do.*\n***\nCases of [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/novel-coronavirus\/) have [dipped slightly](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-summary) in the U.S. after a large [summer wave](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61423582\/covid-summer-wave-2024\/), but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S.\n\nWhile [KP.3.1.1](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61687961\/kp311-latest-covid-variant\/) remains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nwss\/rv\/COVID19-variants.html) (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO) [noted](https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/coronavirus#tab=tab_1) in its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally.\n\n**Meet the experts**: [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/health-policy\/person\/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.,](https:\/\/publichealth.jhu.edu\/faculty\/3528\/amesh-adalja) senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\n\nSo, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down.\n\n## **What is the XEC variant?**\nThe XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/health-policy\/person\/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.\n\n[Data](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) show that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of [KP.3](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61142758\/kp3-latest-covid-variant\/), one of the [FLiRT variants](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a60701402\/flirt-new-covid-variants\/) that widely circulated this summer.)\n\nXEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains.\n\n“Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.](https:\/\/publichealth.jhu.edu\/faculty\/3528\/amesh-adalja), senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\n\n## **Where has the XEC variant been detected?**\nRight now, it’s been [detected](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) in the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions.\n\n“I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.”\n\n## **XEC COVID-19 variant symptoms**\nXEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC:\n\n- Fever or chills\n- Cough\n- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing\n- Sore throat\n- Congestion or runny nose\n- New loss of taste or smell\n- Fatigue\n- Muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Diarrhea\n## **Will the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC?**\nYou can now get the [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62118464\/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster\/), but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them.\n\n“It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.”\n\n## **How to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant**\nThe CDC currently [recommends](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/covid-19\/clinical-considerations\/interim-considerations-us.html) that everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated [COVID-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a38951114\/novavax-covid-vaccine-eua\/) to protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now.\n\nBut if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent [time to get the COVID vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62118464\/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster\/),” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter.\n\nWearing a mask (like a [KN95 or N95](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/g38819435\/best-kn95-n95-masks\/)) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says.\n\nDr. Adalja recommends having [home COVID tests](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/g45086861\/best-at-home-covid-test\/) handy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like [Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a45268916\/paxlovid-rebound\/) if you’re high risk and get infected.\n\nBut Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says.\n\n***This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the* [*CDC*](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html \"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\")*,* [*WHO*](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019)*, and your* [*local public health department*](https:\/\/www.naccho.org\/membership\/lhd-directory) *to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.***\n\n## Related Stories\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/female-doctor-hands-putting-band-aid-on-woman-arm-royalty-free-image-1728319106.jpg?crop=1xw:0.74965xh;center,top&resize=300:*)How to Choose Between COVID Vaccines](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a62531681\/which-covid-vaccine-is-better\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/hand-holding-a-negative-coronavirus-test-royalty-free-image-1727710569.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.248xh&resize=300:*)Here's How to Get Your Free COVID Tests](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62448398\/how-to-get-free-covid-test-2024\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/bandage-on-arm-of-a-female-after-taking-vaccine-royalty-free-image-1727880627.jpg?crop=1xw:0.74965xh;center,top&resize=300:*)Can You Get Your COVID and Flu Shots at Once?](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62487603\/covid-flu-shot-same-time\/)\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n## [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/novel-coronavirus\/)\n[![SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cb298d4d-0709-40c4-b208-48c741097391.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Doctors Explain Latest COVID-19 Variant, Cicada](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a70884397\/latest-covid-variant-cicada\/)\n\n[![covid 19 omicron, corona virus, covid 19, microbiology and virology concept](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/covid-19-omicron-corona-virus-covid-19-microbiology-royalty-free-image-1765491041.pjpeg?crop=0.675xw:1.00xh;0.163xw,0&resize=360:*)The 3 Most Common Signs of COVID Right Now](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a69688654\/main-covid-symptoms-2025\/)\n\n[![asian woman taking medicine at home](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/beautiful-asian-woman-taking-medicine-at-home-royalty-free-image-1760033200.pjpeg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:*)Study: An OTC Nasal Spray May Lower COVID Risk](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a68908916\/azelastine-covid-risk-study\/)\n\n[![covid 19](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/virus-disease-x-cells-microscope-slide-royalty-free-image-1758656826.pjpeg?crop=0.57124xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)All About the Stratus COVID-19 Variant](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a68022542\/stratus-variant-covid-symptoms-vaccine\/)\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n[![woman after vaccine](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/female-doctor-hands-putting-band-aid-on-woman-arm-royalty-free-image-1758114029.pjpeg?crop=0.66698xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Can I Get the COVID Shot? Experts Explain](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a66139324\/who-can-get-covid-vaccine-updated-guidelines\/)\n\n[![long covid myths](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/pvn090125mythslongcovid-002-689f6f7a9c24f.jpg?crop=0.578xw:1.00xh;0.321xw,0&resize=360:*)5 Myths About Long Covid You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a65445040\/long-covid-myths\/)\n\n[![mature woman sitting on sofa and blowing her nose with a tissue at home](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/mature-woman-sitting-on-sofa-and-blowing-her-nose-royalty-free-image-1755359925.pjpeg?crop=0.671xw:1.00xh;0.0537xw,0&resize=360:*)8 Surprising Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a65797024\/boost-immune-system-naturally\/)\n\n[![bandage after applying vaccine](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/bandage-after-applying-vaccine-royalty-free-image-1747837889.pjpeg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.189xw,0&resize=360:*)The FDA Just Changed COVID-19 Vaccine Regulations](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a64839017\/updated-fda-covid-vaccine-stricter-regulations\/)\n\n[![covid19](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/coronavirus-3d-render-royalty-free-image-1748442036.pjpeg?crop=0.66667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)What Is NB.1.8.1, the New COVID Variant?](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a64904167\/nb181-latest-covid-19-variant\/)\n\n[![bandaid arm](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/female-doctor-hands-putting-band-aid-on-woman-arm-royalty-free-image-1730133328.jpg?crop=0.66698xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)CDC Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a62737237\/cdc-covid-19-updated-vaccination-guidelines-over-65\/)\n\n[![vaccine for a senior](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/vaccine-for-a-senior-royalty-free-image-1692134376.jpg?crop=0.669xw:1.00xh;0.132xw,0&resize=360:*)What Are the 2024 COVID Vaccine Side Effects?](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a62611977\/covid-booster-2024-side-effects\/)\n\n[![woman holding chest](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/woman-holds-her-chest-in-pain-royalty-free-image-1728916453.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.155xw,0&resize=360:*)Study: COVID-19 Raises Your Risk of Heart Attack](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62597203\/covid-heart-attack-risk\/)\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n[![Logo](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/prevention\/static\/images\/logos\/logo.a4b3f95.svg?primary=%2523000000)](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/)\n\n[![x](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/x.3361b6d.svg?primary=%2523000000&id=social-button-icon)](https:\/\/x.com\/PreventionMag)\n\n[![youtube](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/youtube.ce3e1ae.svg?primary=%2523000000&id=social-button-icon)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC9M3b9q8SsPraJVWacDU68Q)\n\n[![facebook](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/facebook.a5a3a69.svg?primary=%2523000000&id=social-button-icon)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/preventionmagazine\/)\n\n[![instagram](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/instagram.f282b14.svg?primary=%2523000000&id=social-button-icon)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/preventionmag\/)\n\n[![pinterest](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/pinterest.e8cf655.svg?primary=%2523000000&id=social-button-icon)](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/preventionmag\/)\n\n[About Prevention.com](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/about\/a23303715\/about-prevention\/)[Newsletter](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/newsletter)[Press Room](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/news)[Give A Gift](https:\/\/subscribe.hearstmags.com\/subscribe\/splits\/prevention\/pre_gift_nav_link?source=pre_gift_nav_footer)[Community Guidelines](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/about\/a19061064\/community-guidelines\/)[Subscribe](https:\/\/membership.prevention.com\/prevention-health-360-premium.html?cds_tracking_code=pre_footer)[Media Kit](http:\/\/www.preventionmediakit.com\/r5\/home.asp)[Advertise Online](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/about\/a19061086\/advertise-online\/)[Customer Service](https:\/\/service.prevention.com\/login?redirect=%2F)\n\n![Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/prevention\/static\/images\/logos\/network-logo.b673d37.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)\n\nA Part of Hearst Digital Media\n\nWe may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.\n\n©2026 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[CA Notice at Collection](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[Your CA Privacy Rights\/Shine the Light](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[DAA Industry Opt Out](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_OPT_OUTS)[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-terms-of-use)[Site Map](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/sitemap\/)\n\n[Cookies Choices](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62624904\/xec-latest-covid-19-variant\/ \"Cookies Choices\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"- *XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S.*\n- *The World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant.*\n- *Doctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do.*\n***\nCases of [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/novel-coronavirus\/) have [dipped slightly](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-summary) in the U.S. after a large [summer wave](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61423582\/covid-summer-wave-2024\/), but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S.\n\nWhile [KP.3.1.1](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61687961\/kp311-latest-covid-variant\/) remains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nwss\/rv\/COVID19-variants.html) (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO) [noted](https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/coronavirus#tab=tab_1) in its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally.\n\n**Meet the experts**: [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/health-policy\/person\/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.,](https:\/\/publichealth.jhu.edu\/faculty\/3528\/amesh-adalja) senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\n\nSo, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down.\n\nThe XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https:\/\/www.vumc.org\/health-policy\/person\/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.\n\n[Data](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) show that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of [KP.3](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a61142758\/kp3-latest-covid-variant\/), one of the [FLiRT variants](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a60701402\/flirt-new-covid-variants\/) that widely circulated this summer.)\n\nXEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains.\n\n“Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.](https:\/\/publichealth.jhu.edu\/faculty\/3528\/amesh-adalja), senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.\n\n## **Where has the XEC variant been detected?**\nRight now, it’s been [detected](https:\/\/outbreak.info\/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) in the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions.\n\n“I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.”\n\n## **XEC COVID-19 variant symptoms**\nXEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC:\n\n- Fever or chills\n- Cough\n- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing\n- Sore throat\n- Congestion or runny nose\n- New loss of taste or smell\n- Fatigue\n- Muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Diarrhea\n## **Will the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC?**\nYou can now get the [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62118464\/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster\/), but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them.\n\n“It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.”\n\n## **How to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant**\nThe CDC currently [recommends](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vaccines\/covid-19\/clinical-considerations\/interim-considerations-us.html) that everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated [COVID-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/a38951114\/novavax-covid-vaccine-eua\/) to protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now.\n\nBut if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent [time to get the COVID vaccine](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a62118464\/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster\/),” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter.\n\nWearing a mask (like a [KN95 or N95](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/g38819435\/best-kn95-n95-masks\/)) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says.\n\nDr. Adalja recommends having [home COVID tests](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/g45086861\/best-at-home-covid-test\/) handy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like [Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/health\/health-conditions\/a45268916\/paxlovid-rebound\/) if you’re high risk and get infected.\n\nBut Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says.\n\n***This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the* [*CDC*](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html \"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\")*,* [*WHO*](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019)*, and your* [*local public health department*](https:\/\/www.naccho.org\/membership\/lhd-directory) *to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.***","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	All About XEC, the Newest COVID-19 Variant Spreading in the U.S.
Meta Description	XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. and Europe. Infectious disease doctors explain XEC symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
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Boilerpipe Text	XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. The World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant. Doctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do. Cases of COVID-19 have dipped slightly in the U.S. after a large summer wave , but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S. While KP.3.1.1 remains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted in its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally. Meet the experts : William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. So, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down. The XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Data show that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of KP.3 , one of the FLiRT variants that widely circulated this summer.) XEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains. “Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D. , senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Where has the XEC variant been detected? Right now, it’s been detected in the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions. “I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.” XEC COVID-19 variant symptoms XEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Will the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC? You can now get the updated COVID-19 vaccine , but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them. “It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.” How to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant The CDC currently recommends that everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now. But if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent time to get the COVID vaccine ,” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter. Wearing a mask (like a KN95 or N95 ) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says. Dr. Adalja recommends having home COVID tests handy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like Paxlovid if you’re high risk and get infected. But Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says. This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the CDC , WHO , and your local public health department to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.
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[Health](https://www.prevention.com/health/) 2. [Health Conditions](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/) 3. [What to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant XEC Spreading in the U.S.](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62624904/xec-latest-covid-19-variant/) # What to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant XEC Spreading in the U.S. Expect to hear more about this one in the future. By [Korin Miller](https://www.prevention.com/author/216238/korin-miller/ "Korin Miller") Published: Oct 16, 2024 ![bookmarks](https://www.prevention.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000) ![Open share options](https://www.prevention.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/sharing.89c15b8.svg) - XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. - The World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant. - Doctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do. * Cases of [COVID-19](https://www.prevention.com/novel-coronavirus/) have [dipped slightly](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-summary) in the U.S. after a large [summer wave](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61423582/covid-summer-wave-2024/), but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S. While [KP.3.1.1](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61687961/kp311-latest-covid-variant/) remains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-variants.html) (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO) [noted](https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1) in its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally. Meet the experts: [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/person/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.,](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3528/amesh-adalja) senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. So, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down. ## What is the XEC variant? The XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/person/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. [Data](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) show that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of [KP.3](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61142758/kp3-latest-covid-variant/), one of the [FLiRT variants](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a60701402/flirt-new-covid-variants/) that widely circulated this summer.) XEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains. “Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3528/amesh-adalja), senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. ## Where has the XEC variant been detected? Right now, it’s been [detected](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) in the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions. “I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.” ## XEC COVID-19 variant symptoms XEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC: - Fever or chills - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - New loss of taste or smell - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea ## Will the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC? You can now get the [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62118464/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster/), but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them. “It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.” ## How to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant The CDC currently [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html) that everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated [COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/a38951114/novavax-covid-vaccine-eua/) to protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now. But if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent [time to get the COVID vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62118464/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster/),” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter. Wearing a mask (like a [KN95 or N95](https://www.prevention.com/health/g38819435/best-kn95-n95-masks/)) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says. Dr. Adalja recommends having [home COVID tests](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/g45086861/best-at-home-covid-test/) handy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like [Paxlovid](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a45268916/paxlovid-rebound/) if you’re high risk and get infected. But Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says. This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html "https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html"), [WHO](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019), and your [local public health department](https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory) to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.** ## Related Stories - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/female-doctor-hands-putting-band-aid-on-woman-arm-royalty-free-image-1728319106.jpg?crop=1xw:0.74965xh;center,top&resize=300:)How to Choose Between COVID Vaccines](https://www.prevention.com/health/a62531681/which-covid-vaccine-is-better/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hand-holding-a-negative-coronavirus-test-royalty-free-image-1727710569.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.248xh&resize=300:)Here's How to Get Your Free COVID Tests](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62448398/how-to-get-free-covid-test-2024/) - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bandage-on-arm-of-a-female-after-taking-vaccine-royalty-free-image-1727880627.jpg?crop=1xw:0.74965xh;center,top&resize=300:)Can You Get Your COVID and Flu Shots at Once?](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62487603/covid-flu-shot-same-time/) Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## [COVID-19](https://www.prevention.com/novel-coronavirus/) [![SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cb298d4d-0709-40c4-b208-48c741097391.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:)Doctors Explain Latest COVID-19 Variant, Cicada](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a70884397/latest-covid-variant-cicada/) [![covid 19 omicron, corona virus, covid 19, microbiology and virology concept](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/covid-19-omicron-corona-virus-covid-19-microbiology-royalty-free-image-1765491041.pjpeg?crop=0.675xw:1.00xh;0.163xw,0&resize=360:)The 3 Most Common Signs of COVID Right Now](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a69688654/main-covid-symptoms-2025/) [![asian woman taking medicine at home](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/beautiful-asian-woman-taking-medicine-at-home-royalty-free-image-1760033200.pjpeg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:)Study: An OTC Nasal Spray May Lower COVID Risk](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a68908916/azelastine-covid-risk-study/) [![covid 19](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/virus-disease-x-cells-microscope-slide-royalty-free-image-1758656826.pjpeg?crop=0.57124xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:)All About the Stratus COVID-19 Variant](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a68022542/stratus-variant-covid-symptoms-vaccine/) Advertisement - Continue Reading Below [![woman after vaccine](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/female-doctor-hands-putting-band-aid-on-woman-arm-royalty-free-image-1758114029.pjpeg?crop=0.66698xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:)Can I Get the COVID Shot? 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Readable Markdown	- XEC is the latest COVID-19 variant spreading in the U.S. - The World Health Organization is monitoring the latest variant. - Doctors expect that it will continue to spread—here’s what to do. * Cases of [COVID-19](https://www.prevention.com/novel-coronavirus/) have [dipped slightly](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-summary) in the U.S. after a large [summer wave](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61423582/covid-summer-wave-2024/), but doctors expect another spike on the horizon, as temperatures drop and people head indoors. Now, the latest XEC COVID-19 variant that spread in Europe is accounting for cases in the U.S. While [KP.3.1.1](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61687961/kp311-latest-covid-variant/) remains the dominant strain in the U.S., XEC is gaining steam, according to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-variants.html) (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System. The World Health Organization (WHO) [noted](https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1) in its October 9 COVID-19 epidemiological update that it is monitoring XEC as cases increase globally. Meet the experts: [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/person/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.,](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3528/amesh-adalja) senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. So, what is the XEC COVID-19 variant and how concerned about it should you be? Infectious disease doctors break it down. The XEC variant is the latest COVID-19 variant that’s been tracked around the world. “It’s one of the Omicron variants and it seems to be reasonably contagious,” says [William Schaffner, M.D.,](https://www.vumc.org/health-policy/person/william-schaffner-md) an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. [Data](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) show that XEC is a hybrid of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. (In case you’re not familiar with it, KP.3.3. is an off-shoot of [KP.3](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a61142758/kp3-latest-covid-variant/), one of the [FLiRT variants](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a60701402/flirt-new-covid-variants/) that widely circulated this summer.) XEC has several mutations on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), uses to latch onto your cells and infect you. As a result, it may be more infectious than other recent strains. “Like every SARS-CoV-2 variant that appears—and will appear, in perpetuity—the spread is related to evolution of the virus to develop new mutations that allow it get around some of the immunity engendered by prior infections and vaccinations,” says infectious disease expert [Amesh A. Adalja, M.D.](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/3528/amesh-adalja), senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. ## Where has the XEC variant been detected? Right now, it’s been [detected](https://outbreak.info/situation-reports?xmin=2024-03-16&xmax=2024-09-16&pango=XEC) in the U.S. and Europe, with a more gradual rise in cases. According to a WHO report, the variant has not been detected in African, Eastern Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian regions. “I anticipate that, if it is a more fit version of SARS-CoV-2, it will likely dominate most countries,” Dr. Adalja says. “However, the time scale will be different in each country.” ## XEC COVID-19 variant symptoms XEC is still a newer COVID-19 variant and, with that, there have been no new symptoms reported. These are the biggest symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC: - Fever or chills - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - New loss of taste or smell - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea ## Will the new COVID vaccine protect against XEC? You can now get the [updated COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62118464/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster/), but that shot was formulated based on the KP.2 strain of the virus. KP.2 is related to XEC, but there are a lot of differences between them. “It’s unclear how the updated vaccine will fare against this variant,” Dr. Adalja says. “But, based on the biological characteristics of XEC, it is not likely to be a good match and will not provide durable protection against infection.” That said, Dr. Adalja stresses that the vaccine will still “protect high-risk individuals against severe disease.” ## How to protect yourself from the XEC COVID-19 variant The CDC currently [recommends](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html) that everyone aged 6 months and up get the updated [COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/a38951114/novavax-covid-vaccine-eua/) to protect against serious illness and complications from the virus. If you’re considered at high risk for serious complications of the virus, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it now. But if you’re an otherwise healthy person and levels of the virus are lower in your area, he says that “October is an excellent [time to get the COVID vaccine](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a62118464/when-to-get-new-updated-covid-19-vaccine-booster/),” given that it can help to extend your protection through the winter. Wearing a mask (like a [KN95 or N95](https://www.prevention.com/health/g38819435/best-kn95-n95-masks/)) in crowded indoor situations and when traveling can help to lower your risk of getting infected, too, Dr. Schaffner says. Dr. Adalja recommends having [home COVID tests](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/g45086861/best-at-home-covid-test/) handy (and using them if you develop symptoms) and contacting a doctor about getting on an antiviral medication like [Paxlovid](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a45268916/paxlovid-rebound/) if you’re high risk and get infected. But Dr. Adalja also recommends keeping in mind that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, making it important to be prepared that you’ll interact with it at some point. “This is an endemic respiratory virus and will always be present,” he says. This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html "https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html"), [WHO](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019), and your [local public health department](https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory) to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.**
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