As COVID-19 continues to evolve, a new variant has emerged, catching the attention of scientists and health officials alike. This variant, known as XEC, has been detected in various parts of the world, including half of the United States. While it has yet to cause widespread concern, it raises important questions about the future of the pandemic and what we can expect in the coming months.

What is the XEC Variant?

XEC is a recombinant variant of SARS-CoV-2, which means it originated from the combination of two existing variants. Specifically, it is a sublineage of the omicron variant, formed by the recombination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3, both of which are descendants of the JN.1 strain. Recombinant variants occur when an individual is infected by two different strains simultaneously, allowing their genetic material to mix and create a new variant.

This new variant was first detected in Berlin in June 2024, and since then, it has spread rapidly across Europe, North America, and Asia. In the United States, XEC has been reported in at least 25 states, with New Jersey, California, and Virginia reporting the highest number of cases. While its presence is growing, XEC has yet to outcompete other dominant strains such as KP.3.1.1, which currently accounts for over half of the COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

The rise of XEC has garnered attention from variant trackers, particularly in Europe, where the variant has been spreading at a fast rate. According to experts, XEC is currently the fastest-growing COVID-19 variant in countries like Germany and Denmark. This rapid rise has led some to speculate that XEC may become the dominant strain in the U.S. and other regions by the fall and winter of 2024.

However, the overall public health concern remains relatively low at this stage. Health officials, including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have not raised alarms over XEC, unlike previous variants that exhibited more significant genetic mutations. As a recombinant of two closely related strains, XEC appears to behave similarly to other omicron subvariants in terms of transmissibility and clinical outcomes.

COVID XEC Variant Transmissibility and Spread

As with many other variants of SARS-CoV-2, XEC spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. Like its predecessors, it is considered highly contagious, and the rapid rise of cases in multiple countries suggests it can spread quickly under favorable conditions.

Nevertheless, it is still too early to predict whether XEC will become the dominant strain globally. Experts like Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dr. Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health note that XEC shares many characteristics with previous omicron variants, including its ability to spread efficiently. Still, there are no immediate "alarm bells" to suggest that this variant will cause more severe illness or escape immunity to a significant degree.

Will XEC Cause a Fall Surge in US?

In the U.S., the 2024 summer wave of COVID-19 infections has been more prolonged than expected, but it is now beginning to wane. However, as respiratory virus season approaches, health experts are keeping a close eye on the potential for a winter surge in cases, which could be driven by variants like XEC.

Historically, COVID-19 cases have peaked in the winter months as people spend more time indoors, increasing the likelihood of transmission. While it is unclear how severe this year's winter wave will be, the CDC anticipates a rise in cases peaking in mid-January 2025.

Dr. Eric Topol, a physician-scientist and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, has suggested that XEC could be the next major variant to "get legs" and drive a wave of infections in the coming months. Still, much remains uncertain, including whether XEC will outcompete other variants, how large the winter surge might be, and whether this variant will lead to more severe illness.

Symptoms OF XEC Variant

As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that XEC causes different or more severe symptoms compared to other circulating COVID-19 variants. Common symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, are likely to remain consistent among those infected with XEC.

Regarding vaccine effectiveness, the CDC has stated that this fall's updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against circulating variants, including XEC. These vaccines have been updated to target the KP.2 strain, which is closely related to XEC. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the updated vaccines.

While it remains unclear how XEC will affect vaccine performance, experts are optimistic that the vaccines, along with treatments, will continue to be effective against all current COVID-19 strains, including XEC. As always, the CDC recommends that Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccines to ensure optimal protection during the upcoming respiratory virus season.

Is XEC More Contagious Than Other Variants?

Though there is still limited data on the XEC variant, early observations suggest that it may have the potential to be more transmissible than some of the currently circulating strains. The variant has already shown notable growth in countries like Germany, where it is spreading faster than other strains. However, whether it will surpass other dominant variants, such as KP.3.1.1 (also known as "DeFLuQE"), remains unclear.

XEC possesses a mutation in its spike protein, the part of the virus responsible for binding to human cells, which may explain its rapid transmission. As with other Omicron subvariants, XEC is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

While experts are monitoring its spread closely, they have not yet sounded alarm bells over its potential to outcompete other variants.

XEC is a new recombinant variant of COVID-19 that has emerged in several countries, including the U.S. While it has not yet triggered widespread concern, its rapid rise warrants close observation as we head into the winter months. For now, the best course of action is to follow public health guidelines, stay informed about new developments, and ensure that vaccinations are up to date.

For many, swiping a bold red or a soft pink might just be about putting on some makeup and heading out. But have you ever stopped to think about what else you are putting on your lips? Your favourite lipstick could be a silent killer, interfering with your hormones, cycles, and even fertility. And it all comes down to one banned ingredient, that is, Bisphenol A, or BPA. It is known as an endocrine disruptor that might be making its way into your makeup kit.

BPA has been around since the 1960s and is widely known for its use in plastic bottles, canned food linings, and even cosmetic containers. Though it was officially banned in makeup formulations in 2006, loopholes and lack of strict regulation mean some low-cost products still manage to include it either in their formula or packaging.

“Some cheap cosmetic products could be loaded with BPA,” warns Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine specialist. “BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor which is found in plastic packaging and unregulated cosmetics.”

How BPA Wreaks Hormonal Havoc

BPA behaves like an impostor. It mimics oestrogen and binds to the body’s oestrogen receptors, sending mixed signals to your hormonal system. “BPA mimics oestrogen; therefore, it binds to oestrogen receptors and confuses the hypothalamus and urinary system,” says Dr Gabale in a post shared on Instagram. “This shuts down the normal HPO axis, blocks ovulation, alters menstrual cycles and can even trigger symptoms like PCOS," he adds.

Yes, your favourite nude gloss or budget compact could be doing more than giving you a glow. It might be playing tricks on your body’s most delicate hormonal functions.

From Your Lips to Your Hormones: The Health Dangers of BPA

The problem is not just about your makeup routine. BPA exposure has been linked to a host of long-term health risks:

• Hormonal Disruption: By mimicking oestrogen, BPA confuses your endocrine system, leading to imbalances that affect mood, metabolism, and reproduction.
• Fertility Issues: BPA exposure has been shown to reduce fertility in both men and women.
• Higher Cancer Risk: Hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, have been linked to elevated BPA levels.
• Heart Health at Risk: Some studies have found a correlation between BPA exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Child Development Concerns: Pregnant women exposed to BPA may risk their baby’s behavioural and cognitive development.

BPA is Not Just in Food Packaging

BPA may be infamous for leaching into canned beans or plastic water bottles, but it also lurks in your beauty routine. Containers used for lipsticks, foundation tubes, and skincare jars may contain BPA, especially if they are made from certain plastics or exposed to heat during storage or travel.

Even if the product itself is free of BPA, storing it in containers that contain the chemical can allow BPA to seep in, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

How to Dodge BPA in Your Makeup Routine

• Read the Label: Look for cosmetics clearly marked as BPA-free and paraben-free.
• Avoid Plastic #7: This category often includes BPA. Steer clear of products packaged in these plastics.
• Store Smart: Keep your cosmetics in cool, dry places. Heat can increase the rate at which BPA seeps into the formula.
• Switch to Safer Packaging: Go for glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.
• Research Before You Buy: Eco-conscious labels openly advertise BPA-free packaging.

Imagine applying a cream to soothe your itchy, irritated skin, only to later find yourself bedridden, burning from the inside out, with no end in sight. This is the haunting reality of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a devastating condition that some people develop after stopping common steroid creams used to treat eczema and other skin conditions.

Topical corticosteroids are widely prescribed. They’re found in medicine cabinets around the world and are often recommended by doctors as a first line of defense against inflammation. But for some, particularly those who’ve used them for years, the consequences of withdrawal are nothing short of horrifying.

“Like Pouring Boiling Water Over My Skin”

Kelly Barta, reports The New York Post, was just 38 when she decided to stop using the topical steroid creams she had relied on since childhood. Diagnosed with eczema as a young girl, she began using hydrocortisone and gradually moved to stronger prescriptions as her condition worsened.

By adulthood, Barta was using one of the most potent steroid creams on the market.

“When I quit, it felt like someone poured boiling water over my whole body,” she recalled. Her entire body turned red and itchy. She couldn’t sleep. The burning sensation never stopped—for five long years.

Her life unraveled. She lost her job, her marriage, her hair, and nearly her life. “You’re imprisoned in this body with unrelenting pain,” she said. “Don’t try to get to tomorrow—just survive the next hour.”

Her case is not unique.

According to the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), TSW can leave sufferers housebound or bedridden for months or years. Symptoms include extreme redness, relentless itching, nerve pain, and “oozing” skin. Many describe it as being “trapped in your own half-alive corpse.”

Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed

Though eczema affects around 31 million Americans, most are unaware of TSW. Doctors, too, often misdiagnose the condition as a worsening of eczema, and the standard recommendation is more steroids—further fueling the cycle.

“I was getting to the point where I’d reach into my purse and come out with hives,” Barta said. Her general practitioner dismissed her concerns, suggesting lifelong steroid use. But a pharmacy technician warned her she might be overusing the medication.

No one had ever explained that long-term use could make her skin thinner, more reactive, and vulnerable to new allergies. Barta’s own research revealed the disturbing truth—that what was supposed to help her had actually been harming her.

A Shared Battle

Jada Jones, now 23, tells the Post that she was also diagnosed with eczema as a child. When a dermatologist prescribed her mid-strength steroids, her skin improved quickly. Encouraged, she continued using them on and off—until high school stress triggered a flare-up.

Jones asked her doctor about TSW, but was reassured it wasn’t a risk. Instead, she was bumped up to the strongest Class 1 steroids.

Her condition worsened in 2022 while pursuing a creative career in Los Angeles. “It looked like purplish bruising. Not eczema,” she said. A scheduled photo shoot had to be abandoned midway. “I was bedridden from that day on for the next four months.”

Her body was on fire, her skin cracked, and pain consumed every waking moment. “They’re looking at you like you’re damn near a burn victim,” she said of her baffled doctors.

Healing in Unconventional Places

With traditional medicine offering little support, Jones took matters into her own hands. She moved to Tulum, Mexico, to try healing saltwater and later traveled to Thailand for Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) therapy—a lesser-known treatment that has shown promise for TSW.

While she still battles symptoms, her condition has improved. Today, she manages her skin using infrared and red-light therapy.

“My skin has very mild eczema symptoms now,” she said. “I’d rather tolerate this for the rest of my life than ever go through that again.”

The Medical Mystery of TSW

Despite its severity, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome remains under-researched and poorly understood. There is no official diagnostic criteria, no universally accepted treatment, and many doctors still dispute its existence.

Patients are left to advocate for themselves, rely on online support groups, and explore alternative treatments. ITSAN continues to push for awareness and research funding.

Both Barta and Jones believe education is key. Steroids can help—but only if used sparingly and for short periods. “You think you’re getting help,” Barta said, “but then you end up 100 times worse than you were before.”

Ozempic or the famous weight-loss injection is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The injection was initially used to help people lower their risk of heart diseases and prevent loss of kidney function. However, it recently gained a lot of popularity as the ‘weight-loss jab’ as one of the effects of the injection was losing weight.

As popular as it got, many failed to understand the original purpose of the Ozempic, focusing on the superficial benefit of the medicine. However, there are many other aspects of the medication. People are slowly learning about other factors of the medication, topics are ‘Ozempic Feet’, or ‘Ozempic face’, started trending, as the understanding that along with weight loss a person who takes Ozempic may face these symptoms as well. To understand what the other nuances of the vaccine are and how to ensure the health of people who take it, researchers have looked into what the diet of a person who has received the medication should be.

What Should You Eat And What You Shouldn’t

A new study suggests that eating less protein might lead to more muscle loss for people taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This finding, presented at the ENDO 2025 conference, points to how important diet is for keeping your muscles healthy when you're losing weight quickly.

When you lose weight fast, no matter how you do it, you usually lose some muscle along with fat. Losing muscle can be risky, especially for older people or those who already have weak bones, as it can increase the chance of falls and broken bones. It can also make it harder for your body to control your blood sugar.

For people using newer weight loss medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic), researchers found that what you eat might be even more important for protecting your muscles.

What the Study Found

For the study, 23 people were given semaglutide (the main ingredient in Ozempic), and the other 17 tried to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes. After three months, the semaglutide group lost more weight (6.3%) than the diet and lifestyle group (2.5%). Both groups lost about the same amount of muscle. In the semaglutide group, older people, women, and those who ate less protein at the start of the study tended to lose the most muscle. More muscle loss in this group was also linked to less improvement in blood sugar levels.

Experts explained that the study wasn't a perfect experiment, it suggests that eating more protein seemed to help prevent muscle loss in those taking semaglutide.

Ways to Reduce Muscle Loss

Even though this study didn't prove that protein stops muscle loss, we already know that protein is very important for muscle health.

Eat Enough Protein

The British Heart Foundation recommends that his patients eat about 0.75 grams of protein for every kilogram of their body weight. This means eating roughly 45 grams for women to 55 grams for men each day.

Good Foods for Protein

You can find a lot of protein in seafood, lean meats, chicken, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, and seeds. Remember that you also need a balanced diet with fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Do Muscle-Building Exercises

Experts also suggest doing resistance training, like push-ups, squats, or lifting weights. A study from 2021 showed that for people taking another GLP-1 drug called liraglutide, resistance training helped them keep their muscle mass.

It is stressed that just taking medicine for weight loss without also being active and eating smart can put people at risk for problems like falls and broken bones.

Some people taking GLP-1 drugs might feel sick or not have much of an appetite, which can make it hard to exercise or eat enough protein. It is suggested that one must talk to their doctor about finding a dose that has fewer side effects. She encourages patients not to rush to the highest dose, saying that starting low and slowly increasing the dose can help reduce stomach problems.