XE symptoms may include loss of taste and smell, says experts

The XE variant may trigger a loss of taste and smell which had been a prominent feature of the deadly Delta variant , a dominant variant during 2nd wave, say experts. Mild fever, cough, runny nose and a sore throat could also be common among those afflicted with the strain.

Even though it could be milder than Omicron, XE is believed to be around 10 times more transmissible than the BA.2 variant. Recombinants or a combination of mutant strains could have inconsistent and variable symptoms, according to Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri.