How is the new variant different from Omicron? The new sub-variant XE is just a subtype of Omicron. Omicron's common variants were BA1, BA2, and both mutated into the new variant.
This variant is essentially Omicron only, but it is a recombinant mutant of Omicron. Symptoms different from Omicron Clinically, one can never distinguish between any of the variants.
The new sub-variant XE appears to share all of Omicron's symptoms. It is generally milder and not very severe. We must keep in mind that the XE variant has been present for about three months and has not spread all over the world as Omicron did.
So it is not a distinct form; rather, it is similar to Omicron. What are the precautions? Precautions are essentially the same.