As we enter another COVID season, experts are sounding the alarm about a newly emerging strain: XEC, a recombinant subvariant of the Omicron family. First detected in Germany in June 2024, XEC has since become established in the United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, and a number of other nations.

XEC is currently under close monitoring by health officials following its sharp increase in prevalence. By early December 2024, CDC statistics projected XEC was responsible for 45% of new COVID-19 infections within the U.S., surpassing other circulating variants such as KP3.1.1. This peak occurred just as winter infections were reaching their peak, a period that normally involves spikes in flu and coronavirus hospitalizations.

So what is XEC unique? It is what scientists describe as a "recombinant strain"—a genetic mashup created when an individual is infected with two distinct COVID strains simultaneously. For XEC, it is a combination of Omicron sublineages KP.3.3 (a lineage of the FLiRT variants) and KS.1.1. Such genetic mixing can lead to a "big jump" in viral evolution, virologists say, enabling XEC to potentially circumvent previous immunity more effectively than earlier subvariants.

1. XEC Symptoms: Should You Be Concerned?

The most common question asked is if XEC arrives with more serious symptoms or new symptoms to monitor. Fortunately, the reply—at least for now—is no. Healthcare specialists verify that XEC does not produce significantly altered or more serious illness than other Omicron-based variants.

The majority of symptoms are in line with earlier COVID presentations, such as:

• Cough, sore throat, or congestion
• Fever or chills
• Headaches and exhaustion
• Muscle pain or body ache
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea
• Loss of smell and taste in a few instances

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that although the symptoms initially present themselves as mild, they can become severe based on the age, immunity, or condition of a person. The majority of individuals recover within 1–2 weeks, although susceptible populations like the aged and immunocompromised remain at increased risk for complications.

That being said, routine testing is no longer as commonplace, which complicates estimating just how common XEC really is in the moment. Experts recommend staying vigilant about symptoms and not dismissing a sore throat or cough as a cold—particularly during the height of respiratory virus season.

2. Is the Current Vaccine Effective Against XEC?

Here's the good news: the new 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines should offer robust protection against XEC.

While XEC was not individually included in the vaccine, it stems from two Omicron subvariants that were targeted in the creation of the newer Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines. The new mRNA vaccines, debuted in August 2024, were specifically formulated to address KP.2—a prevalent strain from earlier in the year—but they have proven effective in cross-protection against more recent variants such as XEC and MC.1.

No vaccine can ever be perfectly matched for a virus that so quickly mutates, the makeup of the existing vaccines provides broad protection.

Despite XEC being recombinant, it's made up of two Omicron subvariants that were anticipated to be taken care of by the new vaccines. I'm hopeful we're still going to have a decent degree of immunity from prior infection and also from the boosters that we've already got.

Who Needs Vaccination?

The following are eligible or highly recommended by the CDC and NHS to receive a free booster dose:

• Adults aged 65 years and above
• People over 6 months old in a clinical risk group
• Residents of older person care homes
• Frontline health and social workers

The primary COVID and flu immunization drives are normally carried out from the month of October, but the more vulnerable groups can be vaccinated before then.

3. How to Protect Yourself From the XEC Variant?

With XEC having become responsible for practically half of all COVID cases in the U.S., it is important to stay aware and proactive.

Vaccination Is Your First Line of Defense

If you have not yet gotten the new 2024–2025 COVID booster, now is your cue. Everyone over the age of 6 months qualifies in the U.S., and getting vaccinated prior to winter highs can offer timely protection.

Stick to Proven Prevention Measures

Expert advise sticking with regular COVID precautions:

• Stay away from close contact with people who have symptoms
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces
• Wash your hands often
• Enhance ventilation in shared areas
• Adhere to health protocols for exposure and quarantine

What if You Test XEC Positive?

If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, antiviral treatments like Paxlovid remain a highly effective option—especially if taken within five days of symptom onset. Paxlovid is available to individuals aged 12 and older and is most effective for people at higher risk of severe disease.

The emergence of the XEC variant is a reminder that while we’ve come a long way since 2020, COVID-19 is far from over. With its high transmissibility and rapid rise in dominance, XEC warrants close monitoring—but not fear.

Current information does not indicate a rise in severity, and new vaccines are still an effective means of preventing hospitalization and severe illness. As respiratory virus season rages on, being up to date, vaccinated, and vigilant can help protect you as well as those around you.

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally, yet it is not the biggest cause of concern for people. It is not just an unhealthy lifestyle that can push you to cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes when your body lacks important components, it can tip your heart health sideways.

Unexpected things like too much stress, lack of vitamin D, as well as too much vitamin B (according to some studies) can increase your risk of heart diseases. However, a surprising deficiency that can increase your risk of heart diseases is B12. However, how is a vitamin, whose role is to support nerve and brain function, responsible for your heart health?

How Does B12 Vitamin Affect Heart Health?

Another function of vitamin is forming healthy red blood vessels and DNA. While vitamin B12 is crucial for our health, but it hasn't been clear how a person's B12 levels relate to their risk of death. To understand this better, a study published in the 2024 Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of existing studies to find out if there's a link between B12 levels and the risk of dying from all causes, heart disease, or cancer. What they found was that

• People with very high B12 levels (over 600 pmol/L) had a 50% higher risk of death from any cause and more than double the risk of death from heart disease.
• Even moderately high levels (400-600 pmol/L) were linked to a 34% higher risk of death from any cause.

They analyzed 22 studies that included a total of 92,346 people. The results showed a clear pattern:

• For every increase of 100 pmol/L in serum vitamin B12, there was a 4% higher risk of death from any cause in the general population.
• This risk was even higher for older adults, who had a 6% higher risk of death for the same increase in B12 levels.
• The connection was a straight, linear trend, meaning the risk steadily increased as B12 levels went up.

Can A Lack Of Vitamin B12 Also Cause Heart Diseases?

To find this a 2023 study published in the BMC, looked at vitamin B12 (B12), a marker for B12 deficiency called methylmalonic acid (MMA), and the risk of death has been unclear, especially for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to explore how MMA and B12—from blood levels, diet, or supplements—are connected to the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular issues in adults with CHD.

Researchers used data from a major US health survey to conduct this study. They included 1,755 adults who already had coronary heart disease (CHD) and whose levels of B12 and a related marker called MMA were measured. The study also looked at how much B12 the participants got from their diet. These individuals were followed for an average of nearly eight years to track how many of them passed away.

The study's key findings were about the connection between B12, MMA, and mortality:

Out of the 1,755 people in the study, 980 died during the follow-up period.

The study found no significant link between a person's B12 levels (from blood, diet, or supplements) and their risk of death.

In contrast, people with the highest levels of MMA had a 70% higher risk of death from any cause and double the risk of death from cardiovascular problems compared to those with the lowest MMA levels.

Interestingly, the risk of death from high MMA levels was even greater for participants who had a sufficient amount of B12 in their blood. In fact, CHD patients with high levels of both MMA and B12 had twice the risk of death compared to those with lower levels of both.

The study suggests that for patients with coronary heart disease, high levels of MMA are strongly linked to an increased risk of death, especially from cardiovascular causes. This was true even when their blood and dietary B12 levels were normal. This "paradox" may indicate that the body's ability to properly use vitamin B12 is what's important, not just the amount present in the blood.

Conclusion

Both studies and many experts agree that lack of vitamin B12 is an alarming factor for your heart health, however too much of it is also a risk variable. Before you make changes to your diet, whether to increase or decrease your vitamin B12 intake, make sure you speak to your healthcare professional to get a better idea of how much of it do you need.

When someone close to you tests positive for COVID-19, it’s natural to feel an immediate sense of urgency. The question that often follows is simple but critical: how long should you wait before getting tested? Testing too soon can give you false reassurance, while delaying too long risks spreading the virus to others. The answer lies in understanding the incubation period, the type of test you use, and the circumstances of your exposure.

COVID-19 doesn’t reveal itself instantly. It takes some time for the virus to reproduce in your body until it can be detected by tests to the level that it is present. That window is called the incubation period, and it is usually 2 to 14 days, with infections usually appearing on days 3 to 7. Waiting too long to test results in a false-negative reading because viral load isn't adequate yet. That is why professionals call for waiting for the appropriate moment before swabbing.

When To Test For COVID If You Have Symptoms?

If you get symptoms like fever, cough, tiredness, stuffiness, or loss of smell and taste—you need to test immediately. A positive antigen test is most often accurate, but a negative one isn't always the end of the matter. Since rapid tests may not catch early infections, particularly within the first days, the FDA and CDC advise retesting 48 hours later if your initial test was negative but you continue to have symptoms.

When to Test for COVID if You Do Not Have Symptoms?

For people without symptoms but with known exposure, the CDC advises testing on Day 5 after exposure. Counting starts on the day of exposure, which is considered Day 0. By Day 5, the virus is typically detectable in most individuals. Testing earlier may be useful if you’re planning to be around vulnerable populations, but it’s important to confirm results later in the incubation period with a follow-up test.

Types of Tests for COVID-19 and Accuracy After Exposure

Rapid Antigen Tests

• Speed: 15–30 minutes.
• Advantages: Suitable for rapid decisions and testing at home.
• Drawbacks: Less sensitive, particularly in the initial periods of infection or among asymptomatic individuals.
• Optimal Use: Day 5 or later since exposure; retest after 48 hours if negative.

PCR Tests

• Speed: Results usually within 1–3 days.
• Advantages: The gold standard because highly sensitive, able to identify even traces of the virus.
• Limitations: Has to be processed in the lab, longer turnaround.
• Best Use: Day 5 after contact for best accuracy.

Antibody Tests

• Speed: Variable, but not useful immediately.
• Strengths: Can identify past infection, not current.
• Limitations: Antibodies typically show up 1–3 weeks after infection.
• Best Use: To ascertain past exposure, not to test right after contact.

Why Testing Too Early Can Give Misleading Results?

Testing within 1–2 days of exposure rarely provides accurate results. At this stage, the virus is still incubating and your immune system hasn’t produced a detectable viral load. A negative result during this period can create a false sense of security, potentially leading to unintentional spread. Waiting until Day 5, unless symptoms appear earlier significantly improves accuracy.

COVID Testing Timeline Guideline

Day 0: Exposure occurs. Begin monitoring for symptoms.

Days 1–3: Remain vigilant. Avoid social contact, but delay testing unless symptoms occur.

Day 5: Test with PCR or an antigen test. If you use an antigen test and it comes back negative, retest in 48 hours.

Day 6–7: If you received a negative test result but are still worried—or must see someone high-risk—opt for a second test.

What to Do if You Test Positive?

A positive test result indicates you should self-isolate right away, notify close contacts, and adhere to public health advice. Most individuals with mild signs or symptoms can recover at home, but individuals with high-risk conditions—e.g., chronic illness, compromised immunity, or advanced age—should see a health care provider for potential antiviral treatment.

Isolation is usually 5 days from onset of symptoms or positive test (in case of being asymptomatic), but at least 10 days of masking around other people is recommended.

What if You Test Negative?

A negative test is not always conclusive. Taken too early, or if you don't have symptoms, the virus may not be visible yet. Keep on masking, watching for symptoms, and retesting as needed. If you have a subsequent onset of symptoms after a negative test, consider the infection to be possible and retest soon.

Where to Get Tested for COVID?

Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in various settings to accommodate a variety of needs. Home rapid tests, found at pharmacies and drugstores, are convenient and provide fast results, but a follow-up test is suggested if the test is negative but symptoms are still present. Healthcare clinics and pharmacies sell antigen and PCR tests, and some have appointments. Free or low-cost testing can be found at community clinics and public health clinics, especially in outbreak situations. For patients with respiratory symptoms, most clinics ask that they pre-call to reduce waiting room exposure, and telemedicine consultations are becoming more widespread throughout many areas.

Even in 2025, with better treatments and vaccines, testing is important. It catches infections early, informs isolation and treatment decisions, and safeguards at-risk populations. The CDC insists repeatedly that prompt testing—particularly following confirmed exposure—is among the best measures to slow spread.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, resist the urge to test right away. Instead, monitor for symptoms and plan to test around Day 5 post-exposure. Use rapid antigen tests for quick answers, but rely on PCR tests for the most accurate results. Regardless of your test outcome, continue practicing precautions, especially around high-risk groups. Testing at the right time doesn’t just protect you—it protects your community.

Until a few years ago, a cancer diagnosis was seen as a death sentence, the simple phrase was enough to discourage people. However, with modern medicine, people have a fighting chance; they can now focus on their health and have the hope that they’ll recover. But it is not all positive.

In recent years we have seen an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses. While one likely explanation for this is that more people are aware and getting diagnosed earlier, studies have shown lifestyle choices, declining food quality and environmental factors are also to be blamed.

Now scientists have also found a gender disparity, however this difference has come as a shock to some.

A new study published in JAMA Network has uncovered a surprising trend in India: even though more women are diagnosed with cancer than men, a higher percentage of men die from the disease. This is what's known as a paradox.

Who Is Affected More By Cancer Deaths: Men Or Women?

Between 2015 and 2019, India saw more than 700,000 cancer cases.

• Women made up 51.1% of these cases.
• Men accounted for 48.9%.

Despite women having a slightly higher number of cases, the death rate tells a different story:

• 55% of all cancer deaths were among men.
• 45% were among women.

Looking ahead to 2024, the trends are similar. The estimated number of new cancer cases for women (781,277) is slightly more than for men (780,000). The crude incidence rate (CIR)—which is the number of new cases per 100,000 people—is also higher for women (113.3) than for men (107.4).

The study, which gathered data from 43 cancer registries across the country, also identified the most common types of cancer for each gender. For women, the most frequent cancers were breast, cervical, and ovarian. For men, they were oral, lung, and prostate.

Does Geography Play A Role In Cancer Cases?

that cancer cases are not spread out evenly across India—some areas have much higher rates than others. The highest rates were found in a specific region of the country.

The top five places with the highest rates of cancer were mostly in northeast India. The city of Aizawl in Mizoram had the highest rates for both men and women. Other high-risk areas included Kamrup Urban, Papumpare, and East Kasi Hills. The only exception on this list was Hyderabad.

Just how big is this difference? Another study from 2023 found that cancer rates in Aizawl were seven times higher for men and four times higher for women compared to regions in Maharashtra like Osmanabad and Beed.

Why Cancer Rates Are Higher for Women

So, why do more women in India get cancer? Experts point to several factors:

• Changes in diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol are all risk factors.
• The rise in hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, may be linked to people being more exposed to pollutants in the air and harmful chemicals in cosmetics and processed foods.
• Things like having children later in life can also increase a woman's risk.
• Financial and social barriers can play a role in a woman's health.

Why Is There A Gender Disparity Among Cancer Survivors?

Even though more women get cancer, more men die from it. This is likely because the most common cancers found in women—like breast and cervical cancers—are very treatable if they are found early. For example, the American Cancer Society states that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90% when it's diagnosed in the early stages.

However, a new and worrying trend is emerging. A study from March 2025 found that over the past decade, cancer-related deaths have been increasing more quickly among women than men. This trend is expected to continue. Experts suggest this could be because women face challenges like getting the wrong diagnosis, having limited access to good quality healthcare, and other financial and social barriers.