New Covid variant XE: How dangerous is it?

Amid the increasing concern about the new Covid variant XE, World Health Organisation (WHO) explains that this new variant could be the most transmissible variant yet. It is judged to spread 10 per cent more effortlessly than the BA.2 variant.  BA.2 variant has been considered to be more transmissible than the original Omicron. The new Covid variant XE is recombinant of Omicron  BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of COVID-1.

Hopkins University, says that more research and information would be required to confirm the severity of it and how dangerous it could be.

Recently detected XE omicron variants in Gujarat and Mumbai have set off the conversation once again and scared the people around. It was initially found in January 2022 in UK. NK Arora Chief of the National Technical  Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) on 10, January 2022, said that there is “nothing to panic about” as none of the cases reported here has caused any serious infection.

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“Omicron gives rise to many new variants. It’s from the X series like  XE and others. These variants will keep on occurring. Nothing to panic about as none of these are causing serious diseases or at the moment from Indian data it doesn’t show a very rapid spread,” says NK Arora as per a news report by news agency ANI.

Till now the new sub-variant XE shares similar symptoms to Omicron. According to the UK  Health Security Agency the signs could be running noses, sneezing, and sore throats, as opposed to the original strain of the virus which generally led to fever, coughs, and a loss of taste or smell.

While talking about precautions, is an essential part. Everyone has to take similar precautions as they are taking in the past two years. Even though the local state government has lifted the mask criteria, it is important to wear a mask, avoid crowded places, wash hands and maintain social distance.