Sound the Alarm: The Infectious Covid Variant, XBB.1.5, Threatens Summer Waves
Rapid Increase in the Spread of New Coronavirus Variant Nimbus
Get ready, folks! Consider this your heads-up: a sneaky, infectious Covid strain called XBB.1.5 is causing quite a stir among the expert community. This supervirulent descendant of the Omicron variant has already caused a surge of cases in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and now, the United Kingdom warns of a potential summer infection wave.
According to a report in the British daily "Daily Mail", scientists anticipate a significant increase in Covid cases within a few weeks due to XBB.1.5. In the UK, the percentage of people testing positive for Covid has reached alarming levels and is currently 97% higher than in March. This new variant has already caused a noticeable chunk of the cases in the country, although the current spread of Covid in Germany remains relatively low.
The World Health Organization has classified XBB.1.5 as a "variant under monitoring," and it now accounts for approximately 10.7% of global Covid infections, compared to only 2.5% the previous month.[1]
So, What's the Big Deal with XBB.1.5?
Common symptoms of this variant include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, and sore throat. However, it's more infectious than other active Covid variants lurking around. The spread of XBB.1.5 might accelerate in warmer weather and as people become more social, according to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick.[2]
There's no evidence to suggest that XBB.1.5 causes more severe illnesses or deaths than earlier strains. But make no mistake—it can still be lethal for vulnerable groups.[2] In May alone, Covid was responsible for the deaths of over 300 people in England.[3]
Protect Yourself—Stay Vaccinated!
As at-risk individuals are warned to get vaccinated, scientists believe that the immunity people have built up through previous infections or older vaccinations may have waned, leaving them more susceptible to falling ill. Fortunately, current Covid vaccines appear to remain effective against XBB.1.5.[1]
In a Nutshell…
- XBB.1.5 is a highly contagious Omicron subvariant that's spreading around the globe. [5]
- Current Covid vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness and death. [5]
- Public outreach campaigns are recommended to promote awareness and preparedness, especially in regions hit hard during the pandemic. [5]
- A risk-based, integrated approach to managing Covid is essential, including continued surveillance and monitoring of virus mutations. [2][5]
- Antiviral treatments like Paxlovid and remdesivir are recommended for managing severe cases. [3]
Let's all do our part in combating XBB.1.5 and keep each other safe and healthy during these uncertain times!
Source:
[1] The i Paper[2] ntv.de[3] Good
Tags:- Covid-19- XBB.1.5- Omicron- Vaccination- Supervirulent- Infection wave
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