Preparing for the XEC COVID-19 Variant: Essential Medical Supplies for Healthcare Providers and Individuals
Viruses have certain potentials that render them superior to many other microbes in terms of drug resistance as well as the rate of transmission. One such characteristic is their ability to form recombinant variants i.e. new viruses which are formed by the combination of the pieces of two or more different types of viral nucleic acids. The recent one in the line of COVID-19 variants is the XEC COVID-19 variant which is on the rise in many countries. However, prevention is possible as we know a lot more about COVID than we knew before.
The rise in XEC COVID-19 variant–related cases necessitates stocking up on medical supplies
In this article, some of the essential medical supplies that are needed for the prevention as well as management of the XEC COVID-19 variant have been detailed.
What is XEC COVID-19 Variant?
XEC COVID-19 variant is a new and modified form of coronavirus of the Omicron lineage which is spreading at a faster rate at the global level. After first being detected in Germany in early August 2024, the virus has been identified in several countries across Europe with at least 600 reported cases. It has been formed by the combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants.
Symptoms Associated with New XEC COVID Variant
The symptoms associated with this new Covid-19 variant are:
- High body temperature
- Chills
- Loss of taste
- Loss of the sense of smell
- Runny nose
- Extreme tiredness
- Headache
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
XEC COVID Variant: Do I Need to Prepare?
Yes. With the identification of the new XEC COVID-19 variant, it has become essential for everyone to be prepared for the coming wave. Although the recent COVID variants have not been very lethal and did not cause a severe disease despite having faster transmission, it seems that this new XEC COVID variant will also behave the same way. However, it does have the potential to become the dominant strain across the globe within a few months especially when winter is approaching.
Whatever the case, it is essential for the healthcare facilities as well as the general public to prepare themselves to brace for the new wave. In this regard, where a bulk of COVID vaccines will be required, other disease control measures also need to be taken. This involves stocking up on essential medical supplies such as face masks, diagnostic kits, hygiene products, etc.
Being prepared and vaccinated can help the prevention of infection as well as rapid recovery
Preparing for XEC Variant: Essential Supplies for Healthcare Providers
When it comes to preparing for the new COVID variant, the following medical supplies are essential to buy in bulk:
1.     Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment or PPE includes the items that act as a barrier between the healthcare staff and the hospitalized patients who have been infected with the XEC COVID-19 variant. This way, the transmission of the Omicron variant is restricted. As a result, the risk of contracting infectious diseases is minimized. The items included in the personal protective equipment include the following:
- N95 respirators
- Surgical masks
- Face shields
- Disposable gloves
- Protective gowns
2.     Diagnostic Tools
One of the important items needed for the management of the cases related to recent variants is the diagnostic supplies. These are kits that can confirm whether the patient has an XEC COVID-19 variant or not. Once confirmed, proper treatment can be started. Two of the most recommended diagnostic kits for COVID variant XEC include the following:
- COVID-19 rapid antigen tests
- PCR test kits
3.     Treatment Equipment
When a person contracts COVID-19, either the new variant with slight transmission advantage or one of the earlier Omicron subvariants, breathing difficulties are often experienced. In case of a serious illness, this problem can become severe as the lungs can have the strongest growth of the virus.
Therefore, public health experts advise the use of devices that can check the level of oxygen in blood and alert if the percentage falls. In addition, products that can supply oxygen to the lungs are also needed for the management of respiratory issues. Hence, the must-haves in this case are:
The FDA-approved home-based testing kits can produce results within minutes
Preparing for XEC COVID-19 Variant: Important Supplies for Individuals
Apart from the healthcare professionals and medical facilities, every one of us needs to be prepared against the possible risk of the XEC COVID-19 variant. This is not difficult as we just need to go back to what we were doing when other strains of COVID-19 were at their peak.
This includes wearing face masks especially when you have a higher risk of getting infected due to being close to a patient or in an area where the number of cases is higher. In addition, the use of hand sanitizers is also essential. In this regard, some of the items which you need to stock up on include the following:
1.     Face Masks
The use of face masks can provide protection against the dominant type of coronavirus called the XEC COVID-19 variant with new mutations. As this latest strain has a higher transmission rate, face masks ensure that you do not inhale droplets from the infected individuals. In this regard, the three types of face masks to have included the following:
- N95 masks
- Surgical masks
- Cloth masks
2.     Hand Hygiene Products
For the best protection against the new COVID variant known as the XEC COVID-19 variant, the maintenance of hand hygiene is essential. This way, the virus cannot enter your body via oral or nasal exposure. Therefore, do not wait anymore and stock up on the following:
- Hand sanitizers
- Antimicrobial soaps
3.     At-Home Testing Kits
In addition to face masks and hygiene products, it is best to have some rapid antigen test kits as well in case you want to take a test at home. These come in handy as their cost is less and they are also convenient to use. Moreover, one does not have to go to a testing facility to take the test as you can simply do it from the comfort of your home.
4.     Health Monitoring Devices
If the rapid antigen test for the XEC variant appears to be positive, chances are that you are suffering from high fever and respiratory congestion. For the management of these symptoms, it is good to have the following:
- Thermometers
- Pulse oximeters for home use
Get Vaccinated Now!
Apart from taking good care of yourself and stocking up on essential medical supplies against the XEC COVID-19 variant, it is essential to get vaccinated. The healthcare department is offering free booster shots which can help your body to generate antibodies against the new COVID variant. This way, the likelihood of getting an infection becomes insignificant.
In addition, even if you get infected with the XEC COVID-19 variant, your immunized body will be more capable of fighting the infection and making you healthy again in the shortest time possible. Therefore, no matter how much you cover yourself and stay indoors, the importance of taking a vaccine is undeniable. So hurry up and get vaccinated now!
Adopting preventive measures can ensure your and your family’s safety
Essential Medical Supplies at Health Supply 770: Products and Specifications
In a time when health officials are warning against a new wave of XEC COVID-19 variants among other recent COVID variants, it is essential to be prepared for the worst. For this purpose, there is a need to stock up on medical supplies in healthcare facilities as well as in home settings. Some of these top-quality products are available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below with their prices and purchase links:
3M 8210+ Personal Protective Equipment Particulate Respirator N95 Masks (Box/20)
3M 8210+ Personal Protective Equipment Particulate Respirator N95 Masks (Box/20)
Product Details
3M 8210+ Personal protective equipment particulate respirator N95 masks are NIOSH-approved and can offer 95% filtration efficiency in restricting non-oil-based particles. The product has nose foam which makes its usage comfortable. The advanced electrostatic media allows breathing with ease. In addition, the two-strap design facilitates the proper sealing of the mask.
KN95 Respirator Mask 95% Filtration Pack 5X2 (10)
US$35.88
KN95 Respirator Mask 95% Filtration Pack 5X2 (10)
Product Details
KN95 disposable respirator masks, like the 3M ones, are 95% efficient in controlling the inhalation of particles that are smaller than 0.3 microns. This is because of their multi-layer design which is created with non-woven inner and outer layers with a melt-blown middle layer. The ear loops are adjustable and snug in perfectly.
Cardinal Face Masks
Product Details
Surgical masks by Cardinal Health have a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of ≥95%. These are yellow in color and have strong ear loops. Their fluid resistance is up to 80 mm Hg. The construction material is polypropylene and tissue. When it comes to their particle filtration efficiency, the value exceeds 95%. These surgical masks are non-sterile and provide ASTM level 1 protection.
Halyard Face Shields
US$117.88
Product Details
Face shields by O&M Halyard Inc. are clear in appearance and have blue-colored foam-based headbands with straps. These are 8-3/4 inches in length and are non-sterile. The size of this product is such that they can fit all. They provide full-face coverage and are anti-fog in nature.
Ammex Professional Ivory Latex PF Examination Gloves
US$89.95
Ammex Professional Ivory Latex PF Examination Gloves
Product Details
Ammex professional ivory latex PF examination gloves act as a trustworthy barrier between the wearer and the body fluids, blood, or other pollutants coming from the affected individuals. These are of great quality and extremely flexible. Their polymer covering renders them easy to don and doff. These products are available in different sizes.
Ammex X3 Clear Vinyl PF Industrial Gloves
US$32.49
Ammex X3 Clear Vinyl PF Industrial Gloves
Product Details
Ammex X3 clear vinyl PF industrial gloves are similar in use to the above-mentioned product. However, these are made up of clear vinyl. These can be employed for home-based use.
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometer
US$5.88
08-300 Veridian Digital Oral Thermometer
Product Details
08-300 Veridian digital oral thermometer is a professional product with an accuracy level of ± 0.2°F or ± 0.1°C. The product can take body temperature within 60 seconds and is easy to use due to its one-button operation. The display of the thermometer is backlit so the reading can be taken in dim light as well. Moreover, the product can store up to 25 past readings.
5063-02 Gojo Purell Gel Hand Sanitizer, 2/CS
US$56.89
5063-02 Gojo Purell Gel Hand Sanitizer, 2/CS
Product Details
5063-02 Gojo Purell gel hand sanitizer has ethyl alcohol as its active ingredient. This comes in a dispenser refill bottle which can be used again and again. As the product is in the form of a gel, it stays in place until evaporation.
Flowflex Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Home Test 1 Test
US$16.88
Flowflex Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Home Test 1 Test
Product Details
Flowflex COVID-19 antigen rapid home testing kit is easy to employ for the detection of both old and new strains of COVID-19 including the XEC COVID-19 variant. The kit can produce results within 15 minutes with high clinically proven accuracy. The sensitivity of this testing kit is 97.9% while the specificity equals 99.2%. In addition, the product is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Drive Medical MQ3200 View SpO2 Deluxe Pulse Oximeter
US$54.99
Drive Medical MQ3200 View SpO2 Deluxe Pulse Oximeter
Product Details
Drive Medical MQ3200 view SpO2 deluxe pulse oximeters are non-invasive products that keep on checking the oxygen saturation level of the patient dealing with the XEC COVID-19 variant. The product has a larger display with a dual-colored screen which makes the readings easy to visualize. The brightness of the screen is also adjustable. Moreover, with its long-lasting battery, the product has a life of up to 30 hours.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. They may vary over time.
Hand hygiene should be adopted to reduce the transmission of the infection
All the medical supplies mentioned in the article for the management of the XEC COVID-19 variant can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. We have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check out the wide range of medical products.
Bottom Line
As the reports of infection-related cases due to the XEC COVID-19 variant are coming from almost all parts of the world, it has become essential for everyone to be prepared and adopt protective measures. This includes the use of face masks, hand sanitizers other hygiene products, thermometers, etc.
By doing so, several benefits can be achieved such as complete protection from the infection as well as quick recovery in case of getting diagnosed with XEC COVID-19 variant. Therefore, the healthcare facilities as well as all of us need to rush to stock up on some of the essential medical supplies.
For purchasing different kinds of medical supplies for the management of the XEC COVID-19 variant, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
