A New COVID Variant Is Here, And It's More Transmissible — Here Are The Signs And Symptoms
A new COVID variant known as NB.1.8.1 has made landfall in the United States. The variant, which was first detected in China this past January, currently accounts for 10% of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences tested from around the world, recent surveillance data found. That's a significant jump from 2.5% four weeks ago.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson told HuffPost that the agency is in regular contact with international partners about the activity of NB.1.8.1. To date, only 20 NB.1.8.1 sequences have been identified in the U.S. — that's below the threshold needed for a variant to appear on the agency's COVID dashboard. (As soon as its prevalence increases, NB.1.8.1 will pop up on the tracker, the spokesperson added.)
It's nerve-wracking to hear that a new variant is making the rounds, but infectious disease specialists say there are no glaring differences between the symptoms of NB.1.8.1 and those caused by other versions of SARS-CoV-2.
'Currently it appears that NB.1.8.1 would have similar symptoms to other COVID variants that have recently been circulating,' Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee, told HuffPost.
Here's what to know about the newest COVID variant that's gaining traction around the world.
Compared to the currently dominant variant in the U.S. (LP.8.1), NB.1.8.1 has a handful of new mutations on the spike protein that may enhance its ability to bind to our cells, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The agency suspects these mutations will increase the virus's transmissibility and, potentially, diminish the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies that prevent pathogens from latching to our cells. In other words, the variant may be skilled at dodging some of our immune defenses, research suggests.
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, NB.1.8.1's symptoms are pretty much the same as those seen with other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Two of COVID's hallmark symptoms are a mild but persistent dry cough and nasal congestion, Hoy said. Many people who come down with COVID are also hit with fatigue and tiredness. 'An infected person can still make it through the day, but they are resting more and feel more tired throughout the day,' Hoy said.
Other common symptoms include a fever, chills, a sore throat and muscle aches. 'Some have described recent variants as less intense symptoms as compared to wintertime influenza viruses, but both can have severe symptoms,' Hoy said.
There's no evidence suggesting the variant causes more severe disease or an uptick in hospitalizations or deaths, the WHO states. The only noticeable aspect, as of now, is that it's rising in prevalence, Adalja said.
It's too early to know exactly how effective the shots are — as the research on NB.1.8.1 is limited since it's so new — but scientists expect the shots to hold up well. NB.1.8.1 broke off from the Omicron JN.1 lineage, which the 2024-2025 vaccines target. 'The ability of the vaccines to prevent severe illness is intact though protection versus infection is limited and transient,' Adalja said.
Anyone who is at risk of severe disease should stay up-to-date with the shots. 'Those in older populations or with underlying immune disorders or on immune-decreasing medications would benefit more from vaccination or those with increased exposure such as healthcare workers,' Hoy added.
So if you have a condition that puts you at risk, it's worth getting vaccinated if it's been more than six months since your last vaccine or bout of COVID, Adalja advises. He also added that those who are low-risk likely do not need to go out and get another shot.
Most people will be able to recover at home by resting and staying hydrated. While you're sick, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help alleviate muscle aches and fevers, Hoy said. And, in most cases, symptoms should clear up within a week.
For those who are at risk for severe disease, including older adults and people who are immune-compromised, it's worth contacting a physician as they can prescribe antivirals — Paxlovid and Molnupiravir — that can significantly lower the risk of severe complications and death. As was the case with previous variants, these antivirals work best when started within five days of symptom onset.
As for when you should go to an urgent care or emergency room? When you have chest pain, have a hard time waking up or staying awake, or feel confused and disoriented, the CDC advises. Hoy says the most concerning symptom he warns patients about is difficulty breathing. 'If you have COVID or COVID-like illness and have worsening trouble breathing or chest pain, you should be evaluated at your doctor's office, urgent care or the ER,' he said.
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Mobile clinics aim to boost rural health care measles vaccinations amid outbreak
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I'm a doctor. Here are 11 science-backed tips to help you eat healthier.
I've only rarely met patients who can go from zero to 100 when it comes to a dietary change. So many people are used to eating highly processed, low-fiber meals, and their palates are accustomed to it. That's why I recommend making small healthy changes gradually, until you create a new habit and lifestyle that you're actually comfortable with. Here are 11 science-backed tips for eating healthier that I've discussed in my previous columns. Have a question about healthy eating? Send it to me here, and I may answer it in a future story. It's a myth that you 'lose' all the benefits of fiber when you blend fruits and veggies. When you make a smoothie, you're just blending the fibers down into smaller pieces that pass more easily through your stomach — you're not destroying the cell walls. A winning smoothie will contain a mixture of protein (such as from Greek yogurt), a serving of fruit (such as a small banana or half a cup of berries) and a blended veggie (such as kale or spinach) for fiber. Other additions, such as chia seeds and nut butters, can offer a nutritional boost. But be mindful of possible excess sugars. It's easy to go overboard on fruits, rapidly raising the glycemic index, and many also skimp on the fiber, which we all never get enough of. Fruits themselves in moderation (aim for four servings per day) are great for health, due to their micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Fruit juice seems like a natural extension of this, but without the whole fruit, including peel and pulp, you actually lose many of those benefits and get a quick glucose spike that stresses your pancreas. Think about it this way: You probably wouldn't eat three apples in a row, but you could easily drink the equivalent amount of sugar in one serving of apple juice. It's a myth that you 'lose' all the benefits of fiber when you blend fruits and veggies. When you make a smoothie, you're just blending the fibers down into smaller pieces that pass more easily through your stomach — you're not destroying the cell walls. A winning smoothie will contain a mixture of protein (such as from Greek yogurt), a serving of fruit (such as a small banana or half a cup of berries) and a blended veggie (such as kale or spinach) for fiber. Other additions, such as chia seeds and nut butters, can offer a nutritional boost. But be mindful of possible excess sugars. It's easy to go overboard on fruits, rapidly raising the glycemic index, and many also skimp on the fiber, which we all never get enough of. Fruits themselves in moderation (aim for four servings per day) are great for health, due to their micronutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Fruit juice seems like a natural extension of this, but without the whole fruit, including peel and pulp, you actually lose many of those benefits and get a quick glucose spike that stresses your pancreas. Think about it this way: You probably wouldn't eat three apples in a row, but you could easily drink the equivalent amount of sugar in one serving of apple juice. In numerous population-level and randomized controlled trials, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. In fact, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. The Mediterranean diet also features healthier animal proteins by including yogurt, fish and chicken while de-emphasizing red meat. A study of over 500,000 European adults found that 100 to 200 grams of fatty or lean fish consumed weekly reduced colorectal cancer risk by 7 percent. So how about trying this easy salmon recipe that involves minimal prep? In numerous population-level and randomized controlled trials, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. In fact, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18 percent. The Mediterranean diet also features healthier animal proteins by including yogurt, fish and chicken while de-emphasizing red meat. A study of over 500,000 European adults found that 100 to 200 grams of fatty or lean fish consumed weekly reduced colorectal cancer risk by 7 percent. So how about trying this easy salmon recipe that involves minimal prep? The recommended daily fiber intake for adults is 22 to 34 grams. But the vast majority of us are not meeting this threshold. We should all be eating a fiber-rich diet. This time-tested recommendation remains one of the strongest-studied ways to promote and preserve a healthy microbiome and improve your overall health. Eating a low-fiber diet leads to the loss of major categories of bacteria — and once certain groups are lost, they can be lost for good, even if you try to ramp up fiber intake later. So the time to act is now. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your microbiome, and the healthier you are. So choose a variety of high-fiber plants, nuts and fermented foods to feed your microbiome the nutrient buffet it deserves. The recommended daily fiber intake for adults is 22 to 34 grams. But the vast majority of us are not meeting this threshold. We should all be eating a fiber-rich diet. This time-tested recommendation remains one of the strongest-studied ways to promote and preserve a healthy microbiome and improve your overall health. Eating a low-fiber diet leads to the loss of major categories of bacteria — and once certain groups are lost, they can be lost for good, even if you try to ramp up fiber intake later. So the time to act is now. The more diverse your diet, the more diverse your microbiome, and the healthier you are. So choose a variety of high-fiber plants, nuts and fermented foods to feed your microbiome the nutrient buffet it deserves. Eating a typical Western diet — meaning high in fat and low in fiber — has been shown to induce more than double the amount of bacterial toxins in the blood compared with a more balanced diet. Studies have also found that emulsifiers, a common food additive to prolong shelf life, and artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods may compromise the gut barrier. Not coincidentally, ultra-processed food consumption is linked to symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain and constipation often seen in irritable bowel syndrome. Eating a typical Western diet — meaning high in fat and low in fiber — has been shown to induce more than double the amount of bacterial toxins in the blood compared with a more balanced diet. Studies have also found that emulsifiers, a common food additive to prolong shelf life, and artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods may compromise the gut barrier. Not coincidentally, ultra-processed food consumption is linked to symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain and constipation often seen in irritable bowel syndrome. Many of us are eating some form of a grain, such as rice or bread, at multiple meals every week. Refined grains such as white rice and breads made from white flour are low in fiber and other minerals. Instead, try swapping these out for whole grains. In addition to being heart healthy, whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa and farro, are rich in fiber, helping you stay regular. The higher dietary fiber found in whole grains can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. For example, one meta-analysis found that three servings daily of whole grains is associated with a 17 percent colorectal cancer risk reduction. Many of us are eating some form of a grain, such as rice or bread, at multiple meals every week. Refined grains such as white rice and breads made from white flour are low in fiber and other minerals. Instead, try swapping these out for whole grains. In addition to being heart healthy, whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa and farro, are rich in fiber, helping you stay regular. The higher dietary fiber found in whole grains can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. For example, one meta-analysis found that three servings daily of whole grains is associated with a 17 percent colorectal cancer risk reduction. A 2021 analysis of the Nurses' Health Study II, a landmark study of nearly 100,000 nurses in the United States whose lifestyle habits and other medical conditions were followed over decades, found that each serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage consumed per day during adolescence was associated with a 32 percent increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Higher intake in adulthood was also linked to an increased risk. A 2021 analysis of the Nurses' Health Study II, a landmark study of nearly 100,000 nurses in the United States whose lifestyle habits and other medical conditions were followed over decades, found that each serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage consumed per day during adolescence was associated with a 32 percent increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Higher intake in adulthood was also linked to an increased risk. Dairy products are some of our main sources of calcium and vitamin D. My recommendation? Try eating plain Greek yogurt at breakfast. Greek yogurt can help you avoid hunger with half the carbohydrates and twice the protein of regular yogurt. But it's best to avoid flavors that have added sugar. Instead, boost the flavor profile of plain Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds and fresh fruits. Whether you should opt for low- or nonfat depends on how much you're eating and your overall daily intake of saturated fat, which should be less than 10 percent (and ideally less than 6 percent) of your daily caloric intake. I've seen some individual servings of Greek yogurt that contain as high as 27 percent of the recommended daily value, so it's always important to read the nutritional label. Dairy products are some of our main sources of calcium and vitamin D. My recommendation? Try eating plain Greek yogurt at breakfast. Greek yogurt can help you avoid hunger with half the carbohydrates and twice the protein of regular yogurt. But it's best to avoid flavors that have added sugar. Instead, boost the flavor profile of plain Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds and fresh fruits. Whether you should opt for low- or nonfat depends on how much you're eating and your overall daily intake of saturated fat, which should be less than 10 percent (and ideally less than 6 percent) of your daily caloric intake. I've seen some individual servings of Greek yogurt that contain as high as 27 percent of the recommended daily value, so it's always important to read the nutritional label. Eggs have gotten a bad rap over the years, mainly because of concerns about cholesterol concentrated in their yolks. Moderation is still key: While people with heart disease or high cholesterol need to consider how eggs add to their overall daily cholesterol intake, a study of about half a million Chinese adults suggested that eating one egg a day might decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. When cooked in a healthy way (not fried in animal fat such as butter or bacon grease), eggs can be a solid choice and a good source of protein: One egg contains about six grams of protein. Eggs have gotten a bad rap over the years, mainly because of concerns about cholesterol concentrated in their yolks. Moderation is still key: While people with heart disease or high cholesterol need to consider how eggs add to their overall daily cholesterol intake, a study of about half a million Chinese adults suggested that eating one egg a day might decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. When cooked in a healthy way (not fried in animal fat such as butter or bacon grease), eggs can be a solid choice and a good source of protein: One egg contains about six grams of protein. While I love breakfast sausage as much as the next person, I've cut down profoundly in the past five years as data has crystallized about the detrimental role processed and red meat play in our gut health. Many of us know how bad processed meats are for our arteries, but bacon, smoked sausages and cured hams may raise the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been rising among younger people. I wish I could tell you plant-based meat substitutes were the way to go, but it's not so straightforward. While these are probably a move in the right direction, many of these are ultra-processed and some data suggest they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While I love breakfast sausage as much as the next person, I've cut down profoundly in the past five years as data has crystallized about the detrimental role processed and red meat play in our gut health. Many of us know how bad processed meats are for our arteries, but bacon, smoked sausages and cured hams may raise the risk of colorectal cancer, which has been rising among younger people. I wish I could tell you plant-based meat substitutes were the way to go, but it's not so straightforward. While these are probably a move in the right direction, many of these are ultra-processed and some data suggest they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. My patients often struggle with the advice to cut back on alcohol. That is partly because we're fighting against old dogma that says wine is 'good' for you. While past studies found there may be a small protective effect against cardiovascular disease with light alcohol consumption, a major 2023 meta-analysis debunked this entire idea, and no study has ever shown that these people also have a reduced risk of cancer. Because even drinking as infrequently as fewer than one standard drink per day raises the risk of cancer, researchers from the World Health Organization now advise there is no 'safe amount of alcohol consumption.' My patients often struggle with the advice to cut back on alcohol. That is partly because we're fighting against old dogma that says wine is 'good' for you. While past studies found there may be a small protective effect against cardiovascular disease with light alcohol consumption, a major 2023 meta-analysis debunked this entire idea, and no study has ever shown that these people also have a reduced risk of cancer. Because even drinking as infrequently as fewer than one standard drink per day raises the risk of cancer, researchers from the World Health Organization now advise there is no 'safe amount of alcohol consumption.' You don't need to cut out sweets entirely. In fact, a classic study from researchers at Northwestern University in 1975 found that people who ate a more restrictive diet were more likely to go overboard when given a chance at sweets than people who didn't diet. So I recommend trying smaller, less frequent portions of your favorite sweets (fun fact: dark chocolate is a surprisingly healthier choice compared with milk chocolate). You can also practice mindful eating to savor the experience. And don't swap out real sugar with sugar substitutes. Some sugar substitutes are far sweeter than sugar, which won't exactly help address your sugar cravings. And according to the World Health Organization, not only do these not help with weight loss if that's your goal, but they can lead to other health problems. (Of course, these considerations are different for people with diabetes.) You don't need to cut out sweets entirely. In fact, a classic study from researchers at Northwestern University in 1975 found that people who ate a more restrictive diet were more likely to go overboard when given a chance at sweets than people who didn't diet. So I recommend trying smaller, less frequent portions of your favorite sweets (fun fact: dark chocolate is a surprisingly healthier choice compared with milk chocolate). You can also practice mindful eating to savor the experience. And don't swap out real sugar with sugar substitutes. Some sugar substitutes are far sweeter than sugar, which won't exactly help address your sugar cravings. And according to the World Health Organization, not only do these not help with weight loss if that's your goal, but they can lead to other health problems. (Of course, these considerations are different for people with diabetes.)
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an hour ago
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10 cases of rare illness linked to Botox from Mass. spa, officials warn
A 'growing cluster' of botulism cases related to Botox injections at a spa in Milton is under investigation by Massachusetts health officials. As of Saturday, there were 10 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism linked with procedures performed at Rodrigo Beauty located at 464 Granite Avenue in Milton. State health officials describe iatrogenic botulism as a rare but serious illness caused by Botox spreading beyond the injection site, potentially leading to life-threatening symptoms. Anyone who received Botox injections at Rodrigo Beauty between May 1 and June 4 of this year is 'strongly urged' to contact the state public health department at 617-983-6800 or their local board of health immediately, even if they are not currently experiencing symptoms. Anyone who had Botox injections at the Milton spa and is experiencing symptoms should go to the nearest emergency department, health officials said. 'Early recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes,' officials said in a statement on Saturday. Symptoms can include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or breathing difficulties following Botox injections, health officials said. A spa representative could not be reached for comment on Sunday morning. Mass. school employee stole food, supplies for his Cape Cod snack shack, authorities say These beaches in Massachusetts are closed on Sunday, June 8 Swim portion of Springfield's Ironman 70.3 canceled due to Connecticut River pollution Mass. State Lottery winner: Cape Cod man wins $120,000 'Keno' prize A disabled veteran is accusing a Holyoke city councilor of taking his home. Did he? Read the original article on MassLive.
