New Omicron XE COVID Variant Symptoms and Severity in India

What is the XE variant of COVID-19?

WHO or the World Health Organization recently issued a notice to warn people against the new variant of Omicron, the XE variant which first came into notice in the United Kingdom. The new variant is supposed to be more infectious than any other Covid-19 strain discovered so far. It is a blend of sub-variants of Omicron, such as BA.1 and BA.2.

What is the status of the Omicron XE variant of COVID-19 in India?

The new XE variant was identified first in the United Kingdom on 19 January, 2022 as per WHO reports and so far 600 sequences of XE variant have been reported and confirmed.  Looking at the continuous evolution of the new variants time and again, and the level of transmission globally, there is likelihood of further rise in Covid recombinants. UK Medical Advisors are of the view that XE was a recombinant variant, which means it is a hybrid of two previously identified strains.

What are the symptoms of Omicron XE COVID-19 variant?

The World Health Organization specified that the XE variation has been tracked as part of the Omicron variant. The symptoms of the variant are similar such as;

• fever
• cough
• cold
• sore throat
• scratchy throat
• skin irritation
• runny nose
• shortness of breath
• discoloration and
• gastrointestinal distress, etc.

Is it difficult to diagnose the Coronavirus Omicron XE variant?

Like in other Covid variants, here also the common ways to detect the XE variant is through loss of smell and loss of taste. Thus, these two are regarded as the earliest ways of detecting the new XE variant.

Does the Coronavirus Omicron XE variant spread rapidly?

Yes, experts are of the view that the new XE variant is the most transmissible variant so far. So, it is likely to infect people quicker as compared to earlier strains. However, they have also said that the severity is mild in case of the new variant as compared to the previous ones.

What is the government’s view on Omicron XE COVID-19 variant?

On April 7, the first detection in Mumbai turned negative and the government suggested no presence of the new variant. Further, the government is of the view that there is nothing to panic about the new Covid XE variant. Moreover, it is not causing any serious concern at the moment in India as per data. Also, it is not showing rapid growth of the variant.

How dangerous is the Coronavirus Omicron XE variant?

As per researchers, the recombinant variants are uncommon, especially with several variants in circulation. However, they are of the view that like other types of variants, these new variants will also die reasonably quickly.

Which body parts likely get impacted by the COVID XE variant?

Throat, Gut health, Skin, ​Gastrointestinal parts, taste and smell, etc. are impacted by the new XE variant.

What precautions should be taken against the Omicron XE variant?

Like in earlier cases, wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and maintaining social distance is important to stay protected against the new variant as well. Everyone including elderly and kids should be taking all the measures to stay protected against the new XE variant. Keeping your immunity strong is also important to stay protected.

What precautions should be taken for kids against the Omicron XE variant?

Experts have said that the new XE variant is the most transmissible variant so far. So, it is likely to infect people faster as compared to earlier strains. However, they are of the view that the severity in this new variant is mild compared to the previous ones.

So, children need to be taken care of accordingly. Since the strain has the capacity to dwell and spread faster, things like wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and maintaining social distance is important.

The focus in case of children should also be to offer good nutrition to strengthen the immunity of the child along with keeping intact the basic hygiene care. For this, eating a healthy diet complete with fruits, vegetables, legumes, pulses, and wholegrain is important. Also, eating fruits with vitamin C like oranges and citrus fruits is important to boost immunity along with eating green leafy vegetables for gaining iron from your diet.