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Netizens Are So Tired of Variants, They’re Comparing Omicron XE to iPhones

Netizens Are So Tired of Variants, They’re Comparing Omicron XE to iPhones

Apr 6, 2022   •   Kyzia Maramara

Sooo if you somehow forgot that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, here’s a COVID-19 development that will drag you back to earth — Omicron XE. That name has raised a few eyebrows for certain reasons but the potential threat it brings upon the world again is very real. If you’ve been lulled to the semblance of a “post-COVID new-normal” for the past few weeks thanks to lax restrictions, you might want to stay on your guard for the Omicron XE. Is it contagious? Is it deadly? Why does it sound like it’s named after an iPhone? Here’s what we know so far.

 

What is Omicron XE?

No, it’s not a completely new COVID variant. Omicron XE is a recombinant variant, meaning it’s a hybrid of two other strains. In this case, the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron variants. XE was first detected in the UK last January and has infected over 600 individuals as of March 22, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although authorities were a bit alarmed, that figure is just less than 1% of the country’s millions of COVID cases.

 

It’s more transmissible than Omicron

XE is said to be 10% more transmissible than the BA.2 subvariant causing it to spread faster and infect more people. We once thought the original Omicron strain was the “most transmissible” variant of COVID yet but now it turns out that wasn’t the case.

If you recall last January 13, the Philippines recorded 34,021 cases, the highest single-day tally since the pandemic began. It was largely due to the high transmissibility of Omicron. However, the bright side to Omicron is that the effects are not as severe as Alpha or Delta. XE is the same — those infected have not reported severe cases.

However, XE could potentially be a new variant. While there is no cause for concern just yet, WHO said they are closely monitoring Omicron XE to determine if it should be classified as a new variant. More research is needed to see how XE behaves.

 

Has it been detected elsewhere?

Just this April, Thailand reported its first case of Omicron XE. According to their Public Health Commission vice-chairman Chalermchai Boonyaleephan, the person only suffered mild symptoms and has since recovered. However, they’re convinced that XE will now spread in the country after that breach. Neighboring Asian countries like Malaysia and the Philippines have been on high alert since.

 

Are there other recombinant variants we need to watch out for?

Unfortunately, there are more recombinant variants scientists around the world are keeping an eye on. These are XD and XF, recombinants of the Delta and Omicron variants. The good news is, it’s not as alarming as the rapid spread of XE.

During the Department of Health (DOH) briefing, Dr. Edsel Salvana said that the Philippines’ focus is on XE. “‘Yung mas concerning ngayon is ‘yung XE kasi mukhang may about a 10% growth advantage na nakita nila and may na-report na na isang case sa Thailand. Now, itong mga recombinants na ‘to, kung meron silang survival advantage, pwede silang lumaganap at kumalat sa iba’t ibang places,” he said.

 

Are vaccines effective against Omicron XE?

Dr. Salvana is almost certain of the possibility that XE could reach Filipinos — especially now that all our borders are open — but XE shouldn’t “dodge vaccines any worse than BA.1 or BA.2.”

“‘Yung bakuna natin should be effective against the XE to the same level as the BA.2. ‘Yun nga, meron tayong problems with breakthrough infections, ‘yung efficacy for preventing infections is only about 30-40%, but the protection against severe disease is still pretty high mga 80% plus,” he added.

 

But should you be alarmed?

For now, no. Thankfully, Omicron XE is not a new COVID-19 variant nor is it a variant of concern. It’s simply a recombinant of the Omicron strain, a sub-virus. The fact that it’s named XE means there have been XA, XB, XC, and XD before it and none of those have been cause for concern. Since COVID-19’s existence, experts have discovered dozens of sub-viruses. It’s normal for a virus to crop up and sometimes disappear on its own. However, we should not let our guard down. Being lax about health and safety protocols might cost us in the long run.

 

Some people are comparing it to an iPhone release

Over on social media, people are making light of the situation instead of freaking out. Many are poking fun at the name “XE” saying it sounds like something Apple would name it’s latest iPhone release. It’s a solid comparison seeing that iPhones are releasing new models and products almost as fast as we discover new COVID strains.

iPhone yarn?

 

What’s the camera MP though?

 

Is it available in Power Mac?

 

5G for it’s ability to spread rapidly.

 

We hope this is the last variant and recombinant variant.

 

Everything is still the same

via GIPHY

Even if another variant of concern pops up within the next few months, the method of curbing the spread is still the same. Make sure you encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated and take booster shots for their safety. The COVID-19 vaccines are proven to lower the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and it prevents hospitalization too. Also make sure you keep wearing masks every time you go outside. Sanitize your hands and wash them properly whenever you can. We might have been lax the past few weeks but Omicron XE is a sobering reminder that we’re still living in the middle of a pandemic.

 

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Kyzia spends most of her time capturing the world around her through photos, paragraphs, and playlists. She is constantly on the hunt for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, and a great paperback thriller to pair with it.

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