A new COVID variant has overtaken KP.3.1.1 as the leading variant in the country.
Up until the two-week period ending on Nov. 23, the KP.3.1.1 variant was the leading COVID variant in the country, accounting for 47% of cases according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Then, during the two week period ending on Dec. 7, the XEC variant overtook KP.3.1.1, accounting for 44% of total cases. The XEC variant first appeared in June in Germany in June.
The CDC could not provide regional information for Tennessee, as data is only available for regions reporting over 300 cases in the two week period ending on Nov. 9.
Covid cases in Shelby County have been declining since August.
According to data from the Tennessee Health Department, during the week of Aug. 11, over 1,000 new COVID cases were reported. For the week of Dec. 1, only 113 new cases were reported, resulting in an average of 16 new cases per day, according to the department.
Here is what to know about the leading COVID variant and how to remain protected.
What is the XEC COVID variant? What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC, XEC is a hybrid of two JN.1 variants and represents 14-22% of viruses and is increasing.
“The SARS-CoV-2 variant XEC is, in part, a result of mutation due to recombination between two variants related to JN.1,” wrote the CDC. “Because these viruses look new to your immune system, sometimes these SARS-CoV-2 variants might escape your immunity and make you sick.”
The CDC has not confirmed whether there are any unique symptoms from the XEC variant and continues to outline the basic COVID-19 symptoms, which can appear between two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Who should get vaccinated for COVID in 2024?
The updated 2024–2025 COVID vaccines are designed to better protect against leading and currently circulating strains.
According to the CDC, now is a good time to get an updated vaccine as vaccine effectiveness decreases over time. Furthermore, COVID-19 historically begins to increase in late October or early November and peaks in December or January.
The CDC advises everyone ages 6 months and older to receive an updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, people who have had COVID-19 and people with long COVID.
The vaccine is especially recommended for people who are at risk for severe illness, are 65 or older or who have never received a COVID vaccine in the past.
“Vaccination remains the best protection, and is especially important for people who are at high risk for severe illness,” wrote the CDC. “Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of long COVID.”
For specific dosage information, visit cdc.gov.
How long should I quarantine for COVID in 2024?
Updated COVID guidance recommends people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after their symptoms are better and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
The CDC also recommends exercising precaution over the next five days after the “stay-at-home” period is over. People are encouraged to:
- Take more steps for cleaner air
- Enhance hygiene practices
- Wear a well-fitting mask
- Keep a distance from others and/or get tested for respiratory viruses
What is long COVID? What are the long COVID symptoms in 2024?
Long COVID is defined by the CDC as a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least 3 months.
Long COVID can include a wide range of symtons and can last weeks or even years after having COVID-19. Anyone is at risk of contracting long COVID, including children, reported the CDC.
There are however, specific populations who are more likely to develop long COVID that others, according to the CDC. These populations include: women, Hispanic and Latino people, people aged 65 or older, people with underlying health conditions, people who did not receive a COVID vaccine, and people who have experienced more severe cases of COVID-19.
Symptoms of long COVID can include, but are not limited to:
- Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Fast-beating or pounding heart
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
- Pins-and-needles feelings
- Change in smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rash
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana
