As the winter season sets in, a new wave of concerns invade our daily lives. This year, attention is drawn to the most recent mutation of the coronavirus, dubbed “XEC,” which is spreading rapidly across the globe.
The “XEC” strain emerged last May, resulting from the merger of two separate coronavirus strains, known as “KS.1.1” and “KP.3.3.” First detected in Germany in June, it has rapidly spread to 29 countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark.
Between August 19 and September 15, there was a significant increase in the spread of this variant, with countries such as Slovenia and the Czech Republic seeing high rates of infection. The United Kingdom also reported a slight increase in hospital admissions in October.
The symptoms associated with the “XEC” variant have some similarity to those of the common cold, although there are notable differences. Fever, dry cough, severe fatigue, loss of smell and taste, as well as body aches and shortness of breath characterize the symptoms of this new strain.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish these symptoms from those of the common cold: runny or stuffy nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat, mild cough and slight rise in temperature.
A crucial question arises: does this new strain also affect Egypt? The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, confirmed a notable activity of respiratory viruses in general from November to March. The treatment of coronavirus has become similar to that of other viruses, such as influenza, since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in May 2023.
Amjad al-Haddad, head of the Department of Allergology and Immunology at VACSERA, emphasizes that the spread of respiratory viruses such as colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus is a normal occurrence at this time of year.
In short, it is essential to remain vigilant about the evolution of coronavirus variants and to adopt preventive measures to protect yourself and others. Following health recommendations, getting vaccinated, and staying informed about developments are crucial actions to combat the spread of the disease and preserve public health.