關於新型 Covid XEC 株及其症狀，您需要了解什麼

您知道最新的 Covid 變種 XEC 嗎？這種菌株正在迅速傳播，可能會影響全球健康指南。了解其症狀和疫苗接種選擇對每個人都至關重要。

A new strain of Covid, known as XEC, is surging in the UK, leading to increased hospital admissions, the UK Health Security Agency reported on Friday. Here's what you need to know about this variant and its potential impact on global health, particularly in the U.S.

英國衛生安全局週五報告稱，一種名為 XEC 的新型冠狀病毒在英國激增，導致入院人數增加。以下是您需要了解的有關該變體及其對全球健康（尤其是美國）的潛在影響的信息

A Covid variant, designated XEC, is spreading rapidly in the UK, sparking concerns among health officials. This strain, which belongs to the Omicron subvariant family, has been linked to a surge in hospital admissions, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency. As of October 2023, XEC cases are rising notably, grabbing the attention of scientists who are closely monitoring its behavior and characteristics.

一種名為 XEC 的新冠病毒變種正在英國迅速傳播，引發了衛生官員的擔憂。根據英國衛生安全局的最新數據，這種菌株屬於 Omicron 亞變異家族，與住院人數激增有關。截至 2023 年 10 月，XEC 病例顯著增加，引起了密切監測其行為和特徵的科學家的注意。

This new variant is not yet classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, both organizations are tracking the variant and may adjust their designations if necessary.

這種新變種尚未被世界衛生組織或美國疾病管制與預防中心列為關注變種。然而，兩個組織都在追蹤該變體，並可能在必要時調整其名稱。

Meanwhile, another Covid variant, known as BQ.1.1, is also spreading quickly in the U.S. This subvariant of Omicron is now responsible for more than 70% of new Covid cases in the country, according to CDC estimates. Both XEC and BQ.1.1 are highly transmissible and can evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination to some extent.

同時，另一種名為 BQ.1.1 的 Covid 變種也在美國迅速傳播。 XEC和BQ.1.1都具有高度傳播性，可以在一定程度上逃避先前感染或疫苗接種的免疫力。

As Covid variants continue to emerge and spread, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest information and follow recommended precautions. These measures include getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home if you feel sick.

隨著新冠病毒變種不斷出現和傳播，及時了解最新資訊並遵循建議的預防措施至關重要。這些措施包括接種疫苗和加強接種、在擁擠的室內環境中戴口罩、保持良好的手部衛生以及如果感到不適就留在家裡。

By taking these steps, we can all help to slow the spread of Covid-19 and protect ourselves and our communities from the worst effects of the virus.

透過採取這些措施，我們都可以幫助減緩 Covid-19 的傳播，並保護我們自己和我們的社區免受病毒的最嚴重影響。