Health experts warn that the new coronavirus variant XEC may be more contagious and could become the dominant virus this winter as it spreads worldwide, with the new variant being a mix of two types of COVID-19 variants, characterized by its rapid spread, having been discovered so far in 15 countries.

In this context, the Mirror newspaper quoted some doctors as saying that anyone experiencing a new and persistent cough or loss of appetite or nasal congestion or runny nose in the coming weeks should stay at home and avoid contact with friends and family. They added that these measures would be precautionary steps to help prevent the spread of any infection, including the new type of coronavirus.

For his part, Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Institute in California, said that the XEC variant has just begun, but it will only take a few months for the new strain to become established and start causing a global wave.

Additionally, Professor François Balloux, director of the Institute of Genetics at University College London, stated that the XEC variant is more contagious but vaccines still provide good protection.

According to the British Independent newspaper, the symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to those of previous strains of the coronavirus, including fever, sore throat, cough, loss of smell, loss of appetite, and body aches.

According to data from the UK's National Health Service, the latest figures in the UK show a 4.3% increase in COVID cases week on week, and although it's important to exercise caution, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate infection with the coronavirus, but self-isolation will help stop the potential spread of the disease.