A highly transmissible COVID-19 variant has arrived in Australia. What you need to know about XEC
www.abc.net.au
Australia has recorded its first cases of the XEC COVID-19 variant that has been spreading in Europe this year. Here's what you need to know about XEC — the highly transmissible strain that has been reported in 29 countries.

In short:

Australia has recorded its first cases of the XEC COVID-19 variant that has been spreading in Europe this year.

The mutation is a “recombinant” variant that is a mix of two previous Omicron subvariants called KS 1.1 and KP 3.3.

What’s next?

An infectious disease expert says the strain has the hallmarks of something that could lead to a “summer wave” of infections.

  • maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone
    0·
    8 days ago

    Surf’s up dudes.

    The Department of Health says wearing a face mask, practising good hygiene and physical distancing can protect you from contracting the virus. Vaccinations also provide protection against severe illness.

    I booked my last booster a month or two ago and I’m meant to be on a waiting list at my local clinic. Maybe I should just pop in elsewhere.

    Are we meant to get annual boosters forever?

    • corsicanguppy@lemmy.caEnglish
      2·
      7 days ago

      Are we meant to get annual boosters forever?

      1. How often do you get a flu shot?
      2. How often does COVID mutate?
      3. Didn’t we finally kill polio, almost?
      4. You like being healthy?

      The answer to those questions should answer your question.

    • unemployedclaquer@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      0·
      8 days ago

      My impression from predictions was that covid would get weaker over time, but more persistent, and become an extra thing aside influenza.

      • rtxn@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        8 days ago

        Remember when we thought people would realize the dangers of a global pandemic, and through a shared responsibility, we could do to COVID what we’ve done to smallpox and measles, and it would blow over in a few months?

        Fuck you, people. All you had to do was stay in your fucking homes and wear a fucking cloth over your stupid fuckin mouths.

        • dumbass@leminal.spaceEnglish
          0·
          8 days ago

          I got some people to start wearing a mask by explaining to them you can quietly talk shit about people in public with a mask on and no one will notice unless they hear you, which they wont if you’re not being loud.