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COVID XE Variant - Should We Worry About It?

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COVID XE Variant - Should We Worry About It?

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A newer form of COVID said to be a mix of two omicron variants is the XE variant. This article provides you with an insight into this new variant.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sugreev Singh

Published At April 9, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 23, 2023

Introduction:

COVID has made us aware of medical terms better than ever before; After battling three long waves of COVID, everybody is a pro at understanding what a variant outbreak means. Adding on to the list of the multiple variants passed on from the mother virus is a variant called - the XE variant; its outbreak is heading towards a peak, says reports. Though anything put out about this new variant does not follow a bunch of research, it is predicted to be the rapid spreading variant in the whole bunch. Have a look at what this variant has revealed so far.

What Is an XE Variant?

Omicron, the second last variant that has hit the crowd as of now, is said to have two sublineages called BA.1 and BA. 2. The newly formed XE variant is doubted to be the mix of these sublineages. It is also said to be a recombinant virus that develops when two viruses break and combine together to form a new virus. Though it might be too soon to come to a conclusion, researchers suspect it could be ten times more virulent than the omicron variant.

When and Where Was the First XE Variant Outbreak?

The UK announced this variant for the first time at the end of March 2022. As of now, the country suffers only less than one percent of cases with the new variant in its total COVID cases. Recently, India announced its first case reported in the city of Mumbai; which has been now announced as misdiagnosis and is actually an omicron variant of the virus. Following this, the new variant has hit the city of Gujarat, reporting its first XE case. Besides these countries, reports say that the XE variant has set its pace in Thailand and New Zealand.

What Is the Reason Behind the Emergence of XE Variant?

Because not all the people worldwide are getting vaccinated, the virus can keep spreading among people who have not been vaccinated, especially older people and people with weak immune systems. Additionally, some nations have relaxed their restrictions on COVID-19 and opened their borders, which may result in the virus spreading more readily and in different strains mingling with one another. These various variables have the potential to play a role in the development of new virus strains.

Why the Name XE?

This virus being a recombinant type, has gotten the alphabet X in its name, as scientists name recombinant viruses by giving them X as the first letter. The second letter E, attributes to the order of its discovery among the other variants. It is also said that the previous variants in the order have departed without causing notable effects.

What Are the Symptoms of the XE Variant?

Though new symptoms keep popping up with the spread of the virus. Few symptoms that have occurred in the majority include,

  • Fever.

  • Cold.

  • Cough.

  • Tiredness.

  • Difficulty breathing.

  • Upset stomach, etc.

Although it might be early to set a framework for the symptoms of the current variant, these are the symptoms an exposed patient would have initially. The variant is being studied and has not revealed an exclusive symptom of its own yet.

Is XE Variant More Dangerous?

Though there are different opinions on this topic, it is predicted that this variant could spread at a relatively faster pace. Also, the spread of the virus has no link to how dangerous or deadly this variant could be. Some say that this variant could be more dangerous than multiple variants the world has faced so far, while some disagree with this claim. The virulence can be determined only after analyzing the strain for a while.

Will COVID Vaccine Beat the XE Variant?

During the third wave, the effects of the virus and the spread were found to be lesser than the previous ones, attributed to the increase in vaccination rates. Researchers also say that the treatment plan keeps getting modified with each variant outbreak, and some also have high hopes for the COVID vaccine’s effect against the XE variant.

Because the majority of the XE variant's components, epitopes, and spike protein originate from the BA.2 strain, it is possible that the XE variant and the BA.2 strain share comparable characteristics. This suggests that vaccines (which target the spike protein) may provide comparable levels of protection against XE as they do for BA. 2.

What Is the Treatment of the XE Variant?

Similar to the treatment for other strains, bed rest and isolation are recommended for this variant as well. The XE variant's illness rarely gets worse or becomes fatal. Most of the time, it goes away on its own.

What Can Be Done to Prevent XE Variant’s Spread?

XE

There is nothing new that needs to be addressed regarding COVID prevention; still, the following are a few things that need a reminder about with this new variant outbreak;

  • Follow proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently using a hand wash with at least 60 % alcohol and sanitizing whenever required.

  • Avoid contact with the objects that are exposed to the public; caution must be taken while traveling in public transport, when dining in, in a public gathering, etc.

  • Avoid touching the face and nose frequently, as hands get in contact with infected surfaces very frequently.

  • Cover the nose and mouth with a hanky, tissue, or elbow while blowing your nose or coughing.

  • Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others.

  • Avoid highly populated and crowded areas; as they are the major sources of spread.

  • When experiencing similar symptoms, get a test done, and if positive, isolate yourself from others.

  • Keep the general health in check, as the viral strains can easily contract people who are otherwise ill.

  • Get vaccinated with both doses of the vaccine if you have not been vaccinated yet, and get the booster dose when available. It helps in preventing the strain’s spread.

Conclusion:

With many countries lifting their COVID protection protocols, this new variant outbreak has created a sense of doubt about returning back to normal. Though there are strains coming back and forth, there is a fallback in the virulence of the virus post-vaccination. Preventing this virus is not just the higher authorities’ responsibility; every individual plays a role in eradicating and controlling this new variant. Following all that is instructed, keeping in mind we are not completely COVID-free yet, paves a long way in fighting this variant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are COVID-19 XE Variants?

It is a variant of Omicron. It was the XE variant that was responsible for the third wave of Covid-19 in India. It is normal that viruses change and evolve over time. When they are significantly different from the original ones, they are called variants.

2.

What Is the Name of the New Omicron Variant?

As 2022 began, new subvariants of Omicron called BA.2 began to spread. This was gradually taken over by other variants namely BA.4 and BA.5. These were all overpowered by the BQ variants. 

3.

Is There a New COVID Variant?

Currently, the delta variant is the most prominent variant across the world. The Covid-19 vaccines that are available are able to provide protection against serious illnesses related to the virus.Viruses evolve and change over the period of time. They are called variants when they become significantly different from the original virus. 

4.

How Long Does Omicron Exist?

The omicron and its variants are relatively mild and have a shorter duration of six to seven days. Studies were done on how long the variant stays on the human skin. Shockingly, omicron was found to have the longest duration of twenty one hours. On the other hand, other variants were found to last for about eight hours.

5.

Can You Get COVID Again?

There is a false misconception that once a person is infected with Covid-19, they will not have reinfection. However, the new variants have been reported to have reinfected twice and thrice. However, a person can get Covid recurrently if they are weak in immunity. Usually reinfections are mild and may not be very severe in most cases.

6.

When Did Omicron First Exist?

The first variant of Omicron was first reported on 21st November 202. It was first detected in Botswana and South Africa. Later it gained predominence and spread all over the world. It spread to about eighty four countries, within a few hours. 

7.

How Powerful Is Booster for Omicron?

A recent study revealed that the booster is 58% more effective than the initial vaccine. The initial vaccine was was 24% effective against hospitalization. It was a monovalent vaccine. A monovalent vaccine provides immunity against a single antigen. 

8.

How long should Omicron be quarantined?

Quarantine for Omicron is seven days from being tested positive if they show no symptoms of fever for three consecutive days. They should avoid any contact with people, other than their care provider. The care provider must take precautions to prevent the spread of infection to others. This can be achieved by using mask, sanitizers, etc and staying safe diatance of six meters.

9.

What Is the Stealth Omicron Variant?

The BA.2 variant is called the stealth variant. It was very difficult to detect, and hence, very concerning. The genetic mutations made it very difficult to distinguish from the delta variant in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. The variant had an incubation period of three days.

10.

Does Sneezing Indicate Omicron?

Sneezing more than normal can be a sign of Covid-19 to those who are not vaccinated. However, sneezing is the fourth most common symptom of Covid-19. A sore throat and hoarse voice wre the other the most common symptoms. 

11.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adult Omicron With Booster?

The symptoms were similar to the original Covid-19 virus infections but were found to be milder. They include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and tiredness. Fatigue and muscle weakness were also found in many people. 
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Dr. Sugreev Singh
Dr. Sugreev Singh

Internal Medicine

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