--- title: Omicron XE — The New COVID Variant description: As envisioned by many scientists based on several modeling approaches, the original Omicron variant is not the last concerning variant of SARS-CoV-2. image: https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.acutis.com/post/omicron-xe-the-new-covid-variant#main-content) Close - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Our Team](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/we-are-acutis) - [Guiding Principles](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/guiding-principles) - [Compliance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/compliance) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Continuing Education](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/webinars-symposium) - Providers - [Infectious Diseases](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/molecular-tests-infectious-disease) - [Respiratory Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/rit-testing-respiratory-pathogen-tests) - [Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/git-testing-gastrointestinal-pathogens-testing) - [Urinary Tract Infection Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/urinary-tract-infection-testing) - [Sexually Transmitted Infections](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sti-testing) - [Pharyngeal Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/pit-testing-strep-a) - [Clinical Toxicology](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/clinical-toxicology) - [Medication Monitoring](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/medication-monitoring-tests) - [Substance Use & Addiction](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/substance-use-and-addiction) - Patients - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) CONTACT PHONE HOTLINE: [844-522-8847](tel:+1844-522-8847)E-MAIL: [service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) [i-Acutis](https://acutis.careevolve.com/doctors/framepage.asp) [![logo](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp "logo")](https://www.acutis.com/) - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Our Team](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/we-are-acutis) - [Guiding Principles](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/guiding-principles) - [Compliance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/compliance) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Continuing Education](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/webinars-symposium) - Providers - [Infectious Diseases](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/molecular-tests-infectious-disease) - [Respiratory Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/rit-testing-respiratory-pathogen-tests) - [Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/git-testing-gastrointestinal-pathogens-testing) - [Urinary Tract Infection Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/urinary-tract-infection-testing) - [Sexually Transmitted Infections](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sti-testing) - [Pharyngeal Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/pit-testing-strep-a) - [Clinical Toxicology](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/clinical-toxicology) - [Medication Monitoring](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/medication-monitoring-tests) - [Substance Use & Addiction](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/substance-use-and-addiction) - Patients - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) PHONE HOTLINE: [844-522-8847](tel:+1844-522-8847)E-MAIL: [service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) [i-Acutis](https://acutis.careevolve.com/doctors/framepage.asp) ![COVID 19 pcr testing lab, infectious disease testing lab](https://blog.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2.jpeg?width=300&name=2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2.jpeg) [Acutis](https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis)Apr 28, 2022 12:00:00 AM1 min read # Omicron XE — The New COVID Variant [Previous](https://blog.acutis.com/post/urinary-tract-infections-1-3-of-all-healthcare-related-infections) [Next](https://blog.acutis.com/post/is-the-accuracy-and-dependability-of-diagnostic-lab-testing-part-of-your-daily-concerns) ![](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2-1.jpeg) As envisioned by many scientists based on several modeling approaches, the original Omicron variant is not the last concerning variant of SARS-CoV-2. Following [Omicron](https://www.acutis.com/post/a-steep-rise-in-hospitalizations-of-children-due-to-omicron)and [Omicron BA.2](https://www.acutis.com/post/a-new-variant-of-omicron-detected-ba-2), different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand, China, and India, have identified **the fastest-spreading COVID-19 variant yet – 'Omicron XE.'** The XE variant was first detected in the UK in mid-January and has spread rapidly. Although the[World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/) has not yet determined the severity of the threat, experts warn Omicron XE has all the potential to cause another [COVID-19 surge](https://www.acutis.com/post/covid-reinfections-surge-with-omicron). Potentially originated from someone who was infected with both the original BA.1 variant and the more infectious BA.2 subvariant, the XE variant is the result of recombination between the two strains. It looks to have obtained the best of both – making it 10% more transmissible than the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, already the most contagious COVID-19 variant and one of the most contagious diseases in human history. Significant research is still needed to draw any conclusion on transmissibility, severity, or vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron XE variant. However, since coronaviruses are notoriously known to recombine with other types of viruses, including influenza and rotaviruses, we need to be alert for the possibility of a more fatal recombinant virus with unexpected properties. [**Access the full article from Forbes to learn more.**](https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/04/05/heres-what-we-know-about-omicron-xe---the-new-covid-variant-found-in-the-uk/?sh=404d32362a8c) ![avatar](https://blog.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sales%20materials%202023/Brand/logo-acutis%20HD-2022-1.png?width=290&name=logo-acutis%20HD-2022-1.png) #### [Acutis](https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis) Our team of scientific experts is here to help you understand the trends in infectious disease, clinical toxicology, and Biosciences that are happening in the world. [mailto:service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) ## RELATED ARTICLES [![Acutis-white](https://info.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Acutis-white.png?width=100&name=Acutis-white.png)](https://www.acutis.com/) **Insights. Answers. Outcomes. ** **Diagnostic Excellence. **   400 Karin Lane | Hicksville, NY 11801 68 Culver Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Payer Relations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/payer-relations-information) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) - [HIPAA Privacy](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/hippa-privacy) - [Privacy Practices](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/2022%20Notice%20of%20Privacy%20Practices.pdf?hsLang=en) - [Privacy Policy](https://info.acutis.com/privacy-policy) - [SMS Terms and Conditions](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sms-terms-conditions) - Providers - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-payment) - [Test Menus](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/test-menus) - [Arrange Sample Pick-up](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-sample-pick-up) - [Order POC Cups](https://acutisdiagnostics.myshopify.com/products/bluerapids-concise-12-panel-cup) - [Order Supplies](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-order-supplies) - Infectious Diseases - Clinical Toxicology - [Annual Physicians Notice](https://www.acutis.com/hubfs/2022%20Annual%20Physician%20Notice.pdf) - [Provider FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/general-faqs) - Patients - [Patient Payment Link](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Patient FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Patient Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [Biopharma](https://biosciences.acutis.com) - [Oncology](https://biosciences.acutis.com/oncology) - [Infectious Disease](https://biosciences.acutis.com/infectious-disease) All rights reserved | THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information on this website is not intended to substitute for or be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This website is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.© 2026 Acutis Diagnostics ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Hicksville", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "11801", "streetAddress" : "400 Karin Lane" }, "email" : "service@acutis.com", "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/21140295/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc.", "telephone" : "844-522-8847", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/omicron-xe-the-new-covid-variant" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "As envisioned by many scientists based on several modeling approaches, the original Omicron variant is not the last concerning variant of SARS-CoV-2.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Acutis" }, "dateModified" : "April 7, 2023 9 PM", "datePublished" : "April 28, 2022 4 AM", "headline" : "Omicron XE — The New COVID Variant", "image" : "https://info.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2.jpeg", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[NEWS]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Omicron XE — The New COVID Variant", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/21140295/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc." }, "text" : "As envisioned by many scientists based on several modeling approaches, the original Omicron variant is not the last concerning variant of SARS-CoV-2. Following Omicron and Omicron BA.2, different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand, China, and India, have identified the fastest-spreading COVID-19 variant yet – 'Omicron XE.' The XE variant was first detected in the UK in mid-January and has spread rapidly. Although the World Health Organization has not yet determined the severity of the threat, experts warn Omicron XE has all the potential to cause another COVID-19 surge. Potentially originated from someone who was infected with both the original BA.1 variant and the more infectious BA.2 subvariant, the XE variant is the result of recombination between the two strains. It looks to have obtained the best of both – making it 10% more transmissible than the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, already the most contagious COVID-19 variant and one of the most contagious diseases in human history. Significant research is still needed to draw any conclusion on transmissibility, severity, or vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron XE variant. However, since coronaviruses are notoriously known to recombine with other types of viruses, including influenza and rotaviruses, we need to be alert for the possibility of a more fatal recombinant virus with unexpected properties. Access the full article from Forbes to learn more.", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/omicron-xe-the-new-covid-variant", "wordCount" : "881" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Acutis", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis" }, "dateModified" : "2023-04-07T21:48:15.012Z", "datePublished" : "2022-04-28T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Omicron XE — The New COVID Variant", "image" : [ "https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_21baf1faacad44a1a3842860addac22e~mv2.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/omicron-xe-the-new-covid-variant", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc. | Acutis Biosciences" } } ```