COVID XEC: What are the symptoms of the new variant and will the updated vaccine protect you? What to know

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A new COVID-19 variant called XEC is spreading around the world, as numerous countries deal with another flu season. The strain, which is a combination of Omicron subvariants KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, is rapidly making up more coronavirus cases.

The XEC variant was first detected in Germany earlier in June, and was first found in Canada mid-August. Health Canada's latest data indicates that for the week of Oct. 13, the proportion of positive cases was 18.9 per cent. That's up from 14.4 per cent the week before and 10.4 per cent the week prior.

While this variant of the virus may sound more imposing than previous ones, such as this past spring's FLiRT, experts explain there likely won't be much change from other strains. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital, told CTV News it's difficult to predict the future but this "just means the virus is changing as expected."

But as the virus continues to mutate, does that mean symptoms of an illness are the same as before? Do the newly-updated vaccinations still work against this variant? Read on to learn more about XEC, its symptoms and how you can stay healthy this respiratory illness season.

What are the symptoms of COVID XEC?

The symptoms of COVID XEC are expected to be the same as prior variants, meaning similar to that of the cold or flu. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), those symptoms — which can differ by age, variant or even person-to-person — may include:

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• New or worsening cough

• Shortness of breath of difficulty breathing

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Loss of smell or taste

• Headache

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting

Are COVID cases on the rise in Canada?

In Canada, COVID XEC is forecasted to be the third-most prevalent variety by the first week of October, after KP.3.1.1 and MC.1. Cases of the XEC variant appear to be rising, according to federal data, with the biggest gains being seen in late-September.

In the first two weeks of September, XEC cases accounted for around three per cent of overall COVID-19 cases. For the week of Sept. 15, that rose to 5.2 per cent. It increased to 8.7 per cent the following week, and then 10.4 per cent at the end of the month. In the first week of October, the percentage jumped to 14.4 per cent of all cases, and then 18.9 per cent in the most-recently updated week.

Across the country, Health Canada notes indicators of COVID-19 activity are stable at elevated levels. However, that varies between different parts of the province, and should also reflect fewer people testing for the virus nowadays.

Speaking to Yahoo Life last month, University of California, San Diego virologist Dr. Davey Smith says XEC is primed to become the latest subvariant to take over and "likely the one that will cause our winter wave" of COVID.

Will the updated COVID vaccines protect against XEC?

Newly-updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Novavax were approved by Health Canada last month. While these were developed before XEC emerged, experts say it'll still protect against this new variant.

Bogoch told the Toronto Star even though the new vaccines aren't technically a perfect match, it "never will be" as the virus continues changing.

It's also important to note these new COVID vaccines aren't the same as a booster, which are shots of extra doses of a vaccine you've already received. Prior to Health Canada's latest approval, Canadians had the option to receive a booster of the previous formulation that targets Omicron XBB.1.5. However, these are updated vaccines that replace those previous shots.

Are the updated COVID vaccines available in Canada yet?

Each province and territory develops and delivers its own vaccination programs, but most parts of Canada should now have updated COVID-19 vaccines available. Currently, these updated vaccines are only available for certain people, like those who are at higher risk of health problems, in some provinces.

That's currently the case in Ontario, where the updated vaccines won't be open to everyone until Oct. 28. But in provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the updated vaccines were made available earlier this month.

What are the current vaccination guidelines in Canada?

Back in May, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization published guidelines that strongly recommends a fall COVID shot for seniors, people with underlying medical conditions and anyone else in a higher-risk group. That includes pregnant people and those living in congregate living settings, like long-term care homes.

NACI adds that anyone above 6 months of age who isn't considered high risk "may receive the most recently updated vaccine in the fall of 2024." The organization recommends a six-month interval between COVID vaccines, "with a minimum of three months from the last dose."

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