BEWARE: New COVID-19 Variant, XEC, May Soon Be In Texas

Texas may soon see another type of COVID inside the state. Here's what is known at the time of writing.

New Type Of COVID Discovered

As revealed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the strain itself, known as XEC, is derived from the Omicron strain of COVID. Per the director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, Professor Francois Balloux, this potentially will be the most prominent type of COVID in the upcoming winter.

The good news? If a Texan has the initial vaccine as well as the boosters, they should be safe and sound from XEC. But if one is not vaccinated, how will they know if the potentially have it? Thankfully, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the symptoms provided.

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Symptoms Of XEC, And How One Knows If They Have It

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As reported by the Star-Telegram, there are five symptoms one should be aware of, which take the appearance of the a normal cold:

- Aches
- Cough
- High temperature
- Sore throat
- Tiredness

If you experience these, you should get tested for COVID when possible. In addition, you should avoid contact with other to prevent the spread of the disease. Further tips were provided as well from Tarrant County:

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue to contain coughing and sneezing --and a mask if you’re out and about for your own protection.
- Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Remember to be smart and safe Texas!

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Gallery Credit: Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?

Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.

Gallery Credit: Stephanie Parker

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

Gallery Credit: Steve Tanko

Most Common Post-COVID Health Problems

Source: BEWARE: New COVID-19 Variant, XEC, May Soon Be In Texas

Filed Under: news, Texas, covid