What’s behind the global surge of new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 – and should you get vaccinated?

A new variant coche, NB.1.8.1propagates around the world, with India and other Asian countries report an increase in cases.

In the United Kingdom, the health security agency confirmed 13 cases of variant in England in early June, while admissions to the hospital due to the coco increased by almost 10%.

However, the actual extent of the propagation of the variant remains uncertain, largely due to a significant reduction in COVID-19 tests compared to the peak of the world pandemic five years ago.

What do we know about the variant NB.1.8.1?

NB.1.8.1 comes from the omicron variant and was detected for the first time in January of this year.

He quickly spread through China and Hong Kong, and has now been recorded in several states through the UNITED STATES and Australia.

At the end of April, NB.1.8.1 included around 10.7% of the sequences subjected worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This went from only 2.5% per month before.

The WHO declared the NB.1.8.1 Structures a “variant under surveillance” on May 23, which means that scientists think that this could potentially affect the behavior of the virus.

Why was there a wave of new cases?

Lara Herrero, a virologist from Griffith University in Australia, suspects that NB.1.8.1 spreads more easily than other variants.

“Using models based on the laboratory, the researchers have noticed The conversation.

Dr. Chun Tang, GP in the United Kingdom Private Healthcare Center Pall Mall Medical, said: “Nb.1.8.1 is not too different from the Omicron variant, but it has adjustments to its advanced protein, which could make it spread a little more easily or slide in front of a part of our existing immunity.

“That said, the first signs suggest that it does not seem to cause a more serious illness, but of course, we learn even more.”

“Its spread has been identified in around 22 countries,” Dr. Naveed Asif, GP to the general practice of London, told Dr..

“WHO assesses the additional risk for the global public as currently low and existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing serious illnesses. »»

However, the “Nimbus” variant, as it has been nicknamed, seems to be more transmissible than the previous strains, with notable increases reported in India, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, note Dr AIF.

What are the symptoms?

Nimbus current symptoms include a sore throatFatigue, light cough, fever, muscle pain and congestion.

It has also been reported that some patients have had gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Health experts, however, stressed that there is no evidence that the new strain is more fatal or serious than previous variants, and that current vaccines are supposed to remain effective and protect any infected person from serious disease.

Should you be vaccinated?

In the United Kingdom, the NHS Advise that cocovid vaccinations are not currently available for the public until the beginning of winter, and only to those who need additional protection against the virus.

You can be eligible for a vaccine covers in early winter if you:

The NHS will contact us to offer you the cocovable vaccine if you are eligible.