More than four years have passed since the coronavirus pandemic, but its risks have not been reduced yet. Even though serious complications are being seen less now due to vaccination and some supportive medicines, the cases of increasing infection from time to time are still a cause of concern. These days Corona has returned with a new variant XEC. Many European countries are being affected by it.
Scientists have warned that cases of infection may increase in other continents as well, so all countries need to be alert. It is worth noting that within two to three months, this new variant has been reported in more than 27 countries.
Experts do not know much about XEC Covid yet, although initial research suggests that it can easily spread infection by dodging the immunity built in the body. It can also be dangerous for people with a weak immune system or already suffering from comorbidity. In such a situation, the question arises whether there is a need to get vaccinated again to avoid the new variant.
Threat from new variants
In a report released on the new XEC variant, Covid data analyst Mike Honey said that there has been a sharp increase in cases of infection in Denmark and Germany due to this. Due to a lack of regular testing, the actual data of COVID-19 is not known but it can be much higher.
It is believed that a large population of the world has developed immunity in the body by taking the Covid vaccine. However, the rapidly increasing cases of infection make it clear that the new variant is easily dodging immunity and infecting people.
An updated vaccine shot provides additional protection.
Another report states that XEC is a member of the Omicron variant family, it is infectious but is not causing serious diseases in people who have been vaccinated. Vaccines are still found to be protecting against serious illness and hospitalization. However, it is important to provide additional protection to the elderly and people with comorbidities, who are at greater risk of infection, by giving them updated vaccine shots.
It is worth noting that due to the new variants of Omicron being seen from time to time and its risks, people above 60 years of age in many countries have been given booster doses of the updated vaccine.
Vaccination produces effective antibodies.
In a study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, researchers at the University of Texas have identified an antibody called SC27, which has been shown to have the ability to fight all known types of coronavirus.
This antibody has been identified in the plasma test of some people who have been infected even after vaccination. Scientists believe that vaccination has developed antibodies in the body that protect people from serious diseases. If updated booster shots are given to those with weak immunity, they can be further protected from infection.
What is the advice of experts?
According to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people aged six months or older should get the latest vaccine for COVID-19. Emily Smith, an epidemiologist and professor at George Washington University, says, the main thing we can do to reduce the outbreak of all new variants or new waves of corona is to get a booster shot. Generally, we find that the booster vaccine gives us extensive protection against the new variants. This is even more important for the elderly.
Apart from this, all of us should make COVID-appropriate behavior a part of our routine, understanding that corona, like the flu virus, is always going to be around us.
(PC: ISTOCK)
