The new virus that has alarmed the world! It has been detected in 4 countries, so be careful if you have these symptoms.

The XEC variant, which was detected in Germany in June, has also been seen in the UK, USA, Denmark, and several other countries. Experts say that vaccines will help prevent severe cases, but there are some new mutations that could lead to its spread in the autumn.

Vaccines have been updated to provide better protection against the latest variants, but XEC, which emerged from the Omicron sub-variants, is not included. Professor Francois Balloux, Director of the Institute of Genetics at University College London, believes that vaccines will still provide good protection despite XEC having a "relatively higher likelihood of transmission" compared to other recent Covid variants. However, he notes that it is possible for XEC to become the dominant sub-variant throughout the winter.

"IT WILL TAKE A FEW MONTHS FOR ITS SPREAD"

Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, says that the spread of XEC is "just beginning." In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he says, "And it will take a few months for it to really take hold and turn into a wave. XEC is definitely taking control. It looks like the next variant. But it will take months for it to spread widely."

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms are believed to be similar to the common cold or flu: high fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, or sore throat. Most people feel better after a few weeks, but complete recovery can take longer.