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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
A new sub-variant of the coronavirus, named XEC, has been spotted in several European countries. More contagious, it should quickly become the majority. Should we fear it? The answer from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
It’s probably something to get used to: this year again, the arrival of autumn is accompanied by a new variant of the coronavirus in Europe. The latest one is called XEC and its spread seems inevitable.
XEC, what is this new variant?
XEC itself is descended from earlier Omicron sub-variants. According to scientists, it is more precisely a hybrid combination between KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, which gives it “better ability to interact with human cells and more efficient binding to cells” writing The IndependentIn short, it would be slightly more contagious than the latest known variants.
On the other hand, its symptoms would not be far from the other versions: fever, sore throat, cough, loss of smell, loss of appetite, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, possible gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea. Deja vu…
A variant that is spreading rapidly in Europe
Initially appearing in the United States, where it did not really break through, XEC was however reported last June in Germany, then in the Netherlands, Belgium and Slovenia where it now has the highest prevalence rate (10% of Covid cases). Across the European continent, 500 samples taken in the 27 countries showed strong growth of the variant, particularly in Luxembourg, Poland, Ukraine, Norway, Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands. France seems surrounded.
The XEC “It is still early days in the world, but it appears to be the next dominant variant of Covid-19,” said Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, on his X account.
Should we be worried about this variant?
Should yet another, more contagious variant worry us before the cold weather arrives? No, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, who points out the natural evolution of viruses.
“The arrival of new variants is nothing extraordinary. The virus mutates to live and resist the immunity we develop against it. This is a normal evolution, which does not cause more virulence and banal symptoms….”
The only “danger”, if one can say so, remains the impact on vulnerable people. “Like all viruses, and even all infections, particularly respiratory infections, there is a risk of decompensation of underlying pathologies in the most fragile. We therefore think about vaccination and we consult quickly in the event of worsening symptoms.”
A new vaccination campaign begins on October 15
XEC or other variant, in case of health concerns, vaccination is therefore strongly recommended.From October 15, 2024, and as recommended by the High Authority of Health in its opinion of February 23, 2023, the two vaccination campaigns against Covid-19 and against influenza will be carried out jointly in France”, recently indicated the DGS (Directorate General of Health) in a press release
The following are particularly concerned:
- People aged 65 and over;
- People aged 6 months or more with comorbidities at higher risk of severe forms of the disease (complicated high blood pressure, chronic heart disease, cancer, etc.).
- People with immunodeficiencies;
- Pregnant women;
- Residents in residential care facilities for dependent elderly people (EHPAD) and long-term care units (USLD);
- People at very high risk of serious illness depending on each individual medical situation and as part of a decision shared with the care teams;
- Individuals living in the vicinity of or in regular contact with immunocompromised or vulnerable people, including professionals in the health and social-medical sectors.