That familiar fear is back: new COVID variants, new worries.
This time, the World Health Organization raising concerns A recent increase in the United States via COVID subvariant XBB.1.5. Reported by ABC News Hospitalizations are increasing in the northeastern United States, with subvariants accounting for most.
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Should you worry about the latest subvariant? And why are some people calling it the Kraken? Here’s what you need to know right now.
What is the difference with the subvariant XBB.1.5?
According to CNBCWHO’s COVID technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhov, said officials were concerned about how quickly XBB.1.5 was spreading, especially in the northeast. “It’s the most contagious subtype ever detected,” she said at a press conference.
Fortune Added The subvariant alarm bells sounded at the end of 2022, when the number of XBB.1.5 cases increased from 1% of all cases in early December to 41% three weeks later.
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What are the symptoms?
The symptoms appear to be similar to those of an earlier version of the Omicron variant that was prevalent last winter. That means more cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and congestion. Fortune reports that the reason is basically a descendant of last year’s Omicron, which means symptoms such as loss of taste and smell seen earlier in the pandemic are not occurring as often here. It also explains why.
America today add Symptoms can range from shortness of breath and hypoxia, which require medical attention.
How can I avoid catching this subvariant?
It’s starting to sound like an old sawtooth, but keeping vaccines and boosters up to date is the best preventive measure. According to the Mayo Clinic Above all.
Additionally, wearing a tight-fitting mask and avoiding closed indoor spaces can reduce the risk of infection.
Can I get COVID again after being infected once?
You may have some protection after being infected with COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be immune to COVID-19 forever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID reinfection does happen.
What if I test positive?
If you are COVID-positive, medical personnel, including the CDC, should isolate you for at least five days if you have symptoms and do not end isolation until 24 hours after your symptoms have subsided. People at high risk of getting sick should quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days to prevent them from contracting the virus.
It’s also a good idea to contact your healthcare professional (call, text, etc.) if you have symptoms in case you need to consider a drug like Paxlobid.
Why “Kraken”?
Several, Especially in the Twitterverse, decided to call XBB.1.5 the “Kraken” subvariant. Named after T. Ryan Gregory, professor of biology at the University of Guelph, Canada. According to Fortune.
Gregory wanted to give this subvariant a more attractive name than XBB.1.5 or Omicron, and better inform the public, so he chose the name of a sea monster from Norse mythology. Apparently, he has other mythical creatures. Chiron and Basilisk.
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Whatever the reason, they’re trending on social media with the #Kraken hashtag.
