Latest news with #COVIDNB.1.8.1
South Wales Argus
15 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Covid booster warning as Covid NB.1.8.1 cases on the rise
The message comes after health experts also warned of a new COVID-19 variant, with cases of the strain are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. Ifti Khan, superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, urged those eligible to book as soon as possible and get the booster while it is still available. He said: 'Covid will most likely rise coming into the end of spring and into summer as people mix with friends and family more often. 'We know from previous boosters that they are effective in making sure that patients' symptoms are not as severe as they might have been without so I would urge patients to pop into their local Well Pharmacy store and get their jab. 'Patients have just over two weeks as the spring booster programme ends on June 17 so it would be my hope that those who can get a jab, opt to do so before enjoying socialising during summer.' Mr Khan warned that at this time of year, some people may believe they have hay fever as early symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat. Covid tests can be obtained at any Well Pharmacy. World Health Organisation monitoring COVID NB.1.8.1 The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." Where has Covid NB.1.8.1 been detected? COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
Glasgow Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Covid booster warning as Covid NB.1.8.1 cases on the rise
The message comes after health experts also warned of a new COVID-19 variant, with cases of the strain are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. Ifti Khan, superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, urged those eligible to book as soon as possible and get the booster while it is still available. He said: 'Covid will most likely rise coming into the end of spring and into summer as people mix with friends and family more often. 'We know from previous boosters that they are effective in making sure that patients' symptoms are not as severe as they might have been without so I would urge patients to pop into their local Well Pharmacy store and get their jab. 'Patients have just over two weeks as the spring booster programme ends on June 17 so it would be my hope that those who can get a jab, opt to do so before enjoying socialising during summer.' Mr Khan warned that at this time of year, some people may believe they have hay fever as early symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat. Covid tests can be obtained at any Well Pharmacy. World Health Organisation monitoring COVID NB.1.8.1 The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." Where has Covid NB.1.8.1 been detected? COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
The Herald Scotland
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Covid booster warning as Covid NB.1.8.1 cases on the rise
Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. Ifti Khan, superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, urged those eligible to book as soon as possible and get the booster while it is still available. He said: 'Covid will most likely rise coming into the end of spring and into summer as people mix with friends and family more often. 'We know from previous boosters that they are effective in making sure that patients' symptoms are not as severe as they might have been without so I would urge patients to pop into their local Well Pharmacy store and get their jab. 'Patients have just over two weeks as the spring booster programme ends on June 17 so it would be my hope that those who can get a jab, opt to do so before enjoying socialising during summer.' Mr Khan warned that at this time of year, some people may believe they have hay fever as early symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose or a sore throat. Covid tests can be obtained at any Well Pharmacy. World Health Organisation monitoring COVID NB.1.8.1 The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." Where has Covid NB.1.8.1 been detected? COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Covid NB.1.8.1 cases rising: what is known about new variant
Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. However, reports of the new variant are "growing rapidly", according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and it is showing some signs of "additional immune evasion" compared to others. World Health Organisation monitoring COVID NB.1.8.1 The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." Where has Covid NB.1.8.1 been detected? COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid NB.1.8.1. However, common symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, according to the NHS, include: High temperature or shivering (chills) New, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours) Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted Aching body Headache Sore throat Blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19 How to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants COVID-19 vaccines are available in the UK, and are usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter. The vaccine is available for those: Aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June, 2025) Aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment Live in a care home for older adults RECOMMENDED READING: The NHS said: "The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible." The vaccine helps: Reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms Recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19 Reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19 Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by attending a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Covid NB.1.8.1 cases rising: what is known about new variant
Health experts have warned that cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. However, reports of the new variant are "growing rapidly", according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and it is showing some signs of "additional immune evasion" compared to others. World Health Organisation monitoring COVID NB.1.8.1 The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." Where has Covid NB.1.8.1 been detected? COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid NB.1.8.1. However, common symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, according to the NHS, include: High temperature or shivering (chills) New, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours) Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted Aching body Headache Sore throat Blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19 How to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants COVID-19 vaccines are available in the UK, and are usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter. The vaccine is available for those: Aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June, 2025) Aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment Live in a care home for older adults The NHS said: "The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible." The vaccine helps:
