Related Articles
-Editorial
As a new hybrid COVID variant, XEC emerges in 25 states across the U.S., health experts predict a surge in cases this fall. With updated mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna now available, along with a reformulated Novavax option, many are left wondering if these vaccines can effectively combat XEC.
Recent discussions have centered around this variant, the updated vaccines, vaccination hesitancy, and the low vaccination rates in Latino and Black communities. Misinformation about the efficacy of mRNA vaccines for older adults, particularly circulating in Florida, is also being addressed.
As the fall season approaches, health experts are paying close attention to another recombinant variant known as Sxc. Dr. Peter Chin Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, describes Sxc as a combination of features from two other variants, Kp.1 and Kp.3. “This recombinant variant exhibits mutations that enhance its attachment to human cells, potentially increasing its transmissibility,” he explains.
Currently, Sxc is garnering attention for its rising prevalence in Europe, accounting for about 15% of cases in the UK and 7% in the broader European region. However, it has not yet surpassed the 1% threshold in the U.S. “While Sxc’s presence is increasing, it remains to be seen whether it will dominate cases in the U.S. this fall,” Dr. Chin Hong notes. He emphasizes that while variants will continue to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed without inciting fear.
Regarding the symptoms associated with Sxc, Dr. Chin Hong reports no new or unusual symptoms linked to this variant, though there has been a rise in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea, which are not typically associated with COVID-19. He adds that common symptoms like sore throat, congestion, headache, and muscle aches remain prevalent.
With Kp.3.1 currently the dominant variant in the U.S., responsible for over 50% of cases, Dr. Chin Hong highlights that all these variants fall under the Omicron lineage. “We are observing changes within the Omicron family rather than a shift from Alpha to Delta,” he explains, noting the success of this family of variants in maintaining its presence in the population.
In light of these developments, Dr. Chin Hong underscores the importance of vaccination. “Getting vaccinated is crucial for preventing hospitalization and death, especially as variants like Sxc continue to emerge.” Maintaining high vaccination rates will be key to managing the spread of the virus as fall and winter approach.
Dr. Benjamin Neuman, a Professor of Biology at Texas A&M University, offered insights on the updated mRNA vaccines and the Novavax option, discussing their effectiveness against new variants and the timing for vaccination.
Emphasizing the importance of data from the Vaccines Advisory Board meeting, where the FDA reviewed the latest vaccine information, Dr. Neuman remarked, “It looks as though these are a much-needed update and a good update.” He highlighted that the antibodies generated by these vaccines are crucial for protection against infection, noting that the average duration of vaccine-induced protection is less than six months, often closer to four months, largely due to the virus’s rapid mutation rate.
“From a scientific standpoint, the FDA might consider updating the vaccines twice a year instead of once,” Dr. Neuman suggested. He explained that this approach could provide more reliable protection against new infections throughout the year.
Discussing the available vaccines, Dr. Neuman noted, “The two mRNA vaccines appear to use the same version of the same strain,” while Novavax is a protein-based vaccine that employs an older variant of the virus. “You would essentially be vaccinating with something like a fossilized strain,” he cautioned, which may lead to less durable protection due to the rapid evolution of the virus.
Dr. Neuman advised individuals considering vaccination not to delay. “Taking the vaccine now gets you through the holiday season, hopefully without any damage to you or your loved ones,” he stressed, highlighting the urgency of vaccination in light of potential new variants.
