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Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. 'Razor blade throat': What to know about COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 What is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. How common is NB.1.8.1? For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: How can you protect yourself from NB.1.8.1 and other variants? The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. How to (still) get a COVID-19 test for free Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance. According to the CDC, as of May 27, more than 19,000 locations across the country offer free testing. To find a location near you that offers free testing, visit
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptom that hits '3 times in 24 hours' could signal Covid
The latest figures also highlighted two of the most dominant Covid variants at the moment People should stay vigilant for signs of COVID-19 as there's been a marginal uptick in cases across the UK. Government data reveals that in the week up to June 15, there has been an increase in the number of confirmed Covid infections in England. This included people in hospital who were given PCR tests. Hospital admissions due to coronavirus also increased slightly compared to the previous week. The predominant strains circulating during that time were identified as LP. 8.1.1 and XFG, each contributing to 19.87 per cent of the reported cases. Also present was the "Nimbus" strain or NB.1.8.1, representing 3.97 per cent of infections. LP. 8.1.1 evolved from LP. 8.1 which itself is a descendant of Omicron, with the original LP.8.1 having surfaced in July 2024 and later categorised as a "variant under monitoring" by WHO in January. Symptoms Currently, it remains uncertain whether LP. 8.1.1 triggers specific symptoms distinctive from other strains. Thomas Jeffries, a senior microbiology lecturer at Western Sydney University, observed that LP.8.1 does not seem to be responsible for exceptionally severe symptoms. Writing for The Conversation, he said: "Notably, the symptoms of LP.8.1 don't appear to be any more severe than other circulating strains. And the WHO has evaluated the additional public health risk LP.8.1 poses at a global level to be low. "What's more, LP.8.1 remains a variant under monitoring, rather than a variant of interest or a variant of concern. In other words, these changes to the virus with LP.8.1 are small, and not likely to make a big difference to the trajectory of the pandemic." However, according to the NHS, one definitive symptom of Covid is a new or persistent cough, which may involve three or more "coughing episodes" in 24 hours. Other indicators on the list are: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick. The NHS guidance for those with symptoms of Covid suggests self-isolation until recovery. For those who receive a positive Covid test result, the NHS advocates staying home and away from others for five days, although it's not legally required. Further analysis of recent Covid statistics reveals that the weekly mean positivity rate for PCR tests in English hospitals was up slightly at 6.6 per cent for the week leading up to June 15, compared to 6.2 per cent in the prior week. The total weekly hospital admission rate for COVID-19 saw a slight rise to 1.53 per 100,000 from the previous week's 1.44 per 100,000. However, the overall rate of COVID-19 patients in ICU or HDU remained steady at 0.04 per 100,000, mirroring the previous week's figure.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant strain, multiple Omicron subvariants spreading in Maharashtra, reveals genome study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Eugenópolis (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring [VUM] by WHO). After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " Hospitals in the city reported a noticeable uptick in Covid cases this week compared to previous weeks. Daily or alternate-day deaths, mostly among those with pre-existing conditions, have been recorded. The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since January this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
