War Against COVID-19 Is Still On! 5 Unknown Facts On New Variant XE

Is India likely to witness the Covid 4th wave? Is the XE variant more deadly than the prevailing Omicron subvariant BA.2?

With the Asian and European countries witnessing a fresh outbreak of unending covid cases, the global pandemic of coronavirus is not yet over, and taking extra precautions has become the need of the hour. Here's what you need to know about the fourth wave of covid and XE coronavirus variants.

What is the XE variant of coronavirus?

The XE variant is a recombinant of BA.1 and BA.2. Additionally, it has three other mutations that were not present in variants like Omicron or BA.1 or BA.2. Going by the reports; the XE variant is considered 10 percent more infectious than Omicron. The Omicron variant, which causes over 90 percent of the infections detected this year, has two protruding sub-variants, called BA.1 and BA.2. Among these, BA.3 sub-variant is also there, which is less common.

During the initial phase, the BA.1 sub-variant was the most prominent. In India, however, it was the BA.2 that was the most prevalent during the third wave. It was found to be somewhat more transmissible than BA.1, even though it was less dangerous. In the last couple of months, the BA.2 variety has become the most extensive around the world, accounting for more than 90 percent of all Omicron infections in the last one month, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The XE variant is what is called a ‘recombinant’. This means it contains the mutations found in BA.1 as well as BA.2 varieties of Omicron. The XE was first found in the United Kingdom in January, and so far, more than 600 samples of XE have been discovered in various countries.

According to the World Health Organization, considering the current high level of transmission all across the globe, it is likely that further variants, including recombinants, will continue to occur. Recombination is common among coronaviruses and is considered an expected mutational event.

Although the matter is still under discussion, it is being estimated that the new XE variant of covid is 10x more transmissible and dangerous than both the sub-variants of Omicron.

Does the covid XE variant show any symptoms?

As far as the symptoms and severity of the new variant are concerned, some people infected with the Omicron XE variant may show mild symptoms, and some may experience severe symptoms. As per the experts, the severity of this virus largely depends on vaccination. Those who have been vaccinated may experience mild symptoms. On the other hand, symptoms can be severe in those without vaccination. Some common symptoms of the XE variant may include fever, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, cough and cold, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems, among others. It is yet to be ascertained that the XE variant of coronavirus is more severe; so far, all variants of Omicron have shown less severity.

How to prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Maintain a safe distance from others
• Wear a mask in public
• Clean your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Follow government guidance about vaccination.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or tissue while coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if you feel unwell

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid such as fever or chills, difficulty breathing, irritation, body pain, cough, and fatigue, book your Covid-19 RT-PCR Test at www.redcliffelabs.com.