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Synthetic COVID Powerhouse XEC: The Next Big Thing You Didn’t Want

health

By Owen M.

- Sep 25, 2024

XEC is the new kid on the COVID-19 block that’s making Europe its playground. Scientists at the University of Glasgow project a global domination tour for this variant, thanks to its growth spurt over existing ones.

Over at Uncle Sam's house, some cases have made an appearance but the CDC is yet to tail this viral bad boy formally. Enter Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a molecular microbiology and immunology mogul at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, describing XEC as a hybrid offspring, formed by a happy molecular marriage of two JN.1-related variants.

The variant's spike protein-a viral VIP card for human cell entry and infection initiation-is tied to JN.1 and KP.2, which are currently the targets-on-duty for COVID vaccines. “It’s not an exact match made in heaven,” says Pekosz, “but it’s one of those near misses that has scientists confident of the vaccine’s shielding prowess.”

He further notes that unlike the seasonal flu, COVID isn’t ready to embrace a calendar-based existence, as cases are remaining stubbornly high all year round.

Moorjani, an infectious disease specialist, reminds us that as descendants of the Omicron royalty, all emerging variants essentially share the family's genetic material. The good news? Previous Omicron infections and vaccinations might just be your ticket to avoiding a severe COVID experience.

Melissa Brower Dibble, a CDC spokesperson, keeps it simple: get your 2024-2025 COVID shots ASAP, it's not just about you, it’s about XEC and his variant friends too. She assures that treatments and vaccines should stay effective against the circulating variants, with the CDC spying on their performance closely.

While XEC is making waves, expect your current vaccines to give it a good fight. So, keep up with your COVID jabs to minimize your chances of meeting severe COVID face to face, and don’t forget to stay updated on COVID-19 news. Even as you read this article, more recent information may have surfaced, so keep hitting that refresh button.

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