Summary

Despite new variants like XEC, Covid-19 appears milder, with fewer hospitalizations and severe cases, even though infections remain widespread.

Experts attribute this to improved population immunity from repeated infections and vaccinations, which blunt the virus's effects.

XEC's immune evasion has not caused a significant surge, and symptoms now resemble mild colds for most.

However, risks like long Covid and potential severe variants persist, emphasizing the need for continued vaccinations and research on better treatments and vaccines, including mucosal and universal options, to manage the virus's unpredictable evolution.