A new COVID-19 variant has been spreading across America and other parts of the world. It has been raising some concerns about a potential new wave of infections and reinfections at the start of the year. This variant is known as XBB 1.5. This variant is said to be a relative of the XBB variant and is the most highly transmissible one yet. Although a lot of information about XBB 1.5 is still unknown, here are the details you need to know about it so far, including getting tested and protecting yourself against the variant.
What is the XBB 1.5 Variant?
XBB 1.5 is a subvariant of Omicron and a close relative of the XBB variant, which has spread in some parts of Asia this past fall. Although there is little information about this COVID subvariant, what we know so far is that it is highly transmissible. It is said to be better at evading immune defenses gained from vaccinations better than other variants. It has recently started spreading in America and has been causing high concerns about infections and reinfections. This raised several concerns about a potential surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of the new year.
How is this Variant Affecting Americans so far
As recently as Friday before New Year’s Eve, the CDC projected that about 40% of confirmed cases were caused by the XBB 1.5 strain. The Northeast region has 75% of confirmed XBB 1.5 cases. CDC data has even reported that hospitalizations are starting to go up nationwide. This has created all sorts of concerns for Americans today. It’s still unclear as to where this new variant comes from, but it appears to be spreading quickly. Public health officials are keeping a close eye on this variant as some scientists are worried that it could be better at getting around the antibodies we’ve built up from COVID vaccines.
How You Can Get Tested against XBB 1.5 Variant
So how can you get tested against the XBB 1.5 variant? White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha, M.D. states that so far the COVID-19 tests we have seem to be working well with the new variant. If you start experiencing symptoms of coughing, sore throat, and fatigue, among others, be sure to get yourself tested right away. You can schedule an appointment with your doctor or primary care physician to get tested against XBB 1.5. If you tested positive for COVID due to the XBB variant, talk to your doctor immediately about treatment options.
Continue to Utilize All Protective Measures against XBB 1.5 and other Variants
Along with frequently getting tested, continuing to wear a mask and keeping your booster shots updated is also important. Jha says that most of the people becoming hospitalized and dying are within the 70 and older group. Most of these patients are said to not be up-to-date with their vaccinations as well as failing to get treated the minute they become infected. So it’s still vital that we keep our vaccinations updated and talk to a doctor about treatment options if we become infected.
Wearing a high-quality mask is still necessary for lowering your risks, especially in indoor places. Be sure you’re at a comfortable distance away from people. If cases are high where you live, consider refraining from having indoor parties or gatherings. Make sure you meet with people in well-ventilated places. Give your immune system a boost with a healthy diet of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, etc. Stock on some quality hot teas. Continue to follow the usual protocol in lowering your risk as more new variants start to pop up.
What are your thoughts on the new XBB 1.5 variant? Do you think it is something we have to panic about? Leave your comments about the new variant that has been in the news lately. As always, be sure to like or share this post with many people you know and care about.
