The year 2023 has officially begun; the COVID-19 virus is still present and doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon if it ever does. Nearly three years have passed, thousands of lives have been lost, several daily routines have been changed, the world economy continues to deteriorate, and the COVID variant names list continues forever. It is too much to keep track of. So, where are we with the global pandemic right now? What COVID-19 new variant are we currently on?
The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is continually evolving and generating mutations in its genetic coding in order to break through people's immune defenses; new covid variants of concern (VOC)are expected to keep emerging over time. While some variants will appear and disappear, others will continue to spread and possibly replace earlier forms. Below are some of the COVID variant names listed and their distribution over time:
Source: https://doh.gov.ph/covid19-variants
Newer VOCs predominate over previously co-circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. At roughly 98% of viral sequences in 2022, Omicron is the dominant variant circulating globally. Significant VOC evolution has resulted from the continued transmission of these VOCs, such as the Omicron complex, which has continued to evolve since being classified as a VOC by the World Health Organization (WHO), giving rise to descendant lineages with various genetic mutations. Each mutation cluster's threat to public health may differ from the previous. In order to alert public health authorities worldwide of the broad transmission of the Omicron VOC across the globe and its ensuing anticipated enhanced viral variety, WHO has introduced a new category to its variation tracking system called the "Omicron subvariants under monitoring."
XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1, and BQ.1 are some of the current omicron subvariants in circulation being monitored. The most recent new covid variant of concern predicted to take over is known as XBB.1.5, and it has already started to overtake other forms. This variety is referred to as a "recombinant" COVID variant since it was developed by the evolutionary fusion of two Omicron subvariants. The XBB variant across the Asian COVID strains map brought on massive outbreaks. It was the first known instance of a SARS-CoV-2 variant that developed as a result of the genetic fusion of two different viruses. XBB.1.5 is a descendant of this XBB variant.
XBB.1.5, known as the "Kraken," has taken over as the predominant COVID-19 strain in the United States of America—responsible for 43% of cases, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—and is likely to do the same in other parts of the world. The first XBB.1.5 variant infection in India has already been confirmed.
The COVID variation XBB.1.5 has been dubbed the most contagious one to date despite being relatively new by Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's COVID-19 technical lead. According to Professor Wendy Barclay of Imperial College London, the Kraken possesses the F486P mutation, which makes it easier for the variation to spread by enabling it to bind to cells more effectively while avoiding immune response. According to experts, XBB.1.5 variant spreads 120 percent faster than BQ.1. As the virus develops, it will use these adaptive changes as paths to find new ways to get through the body's defenses.
With the new COVID-19 variant that is also highly contagious, XBB.1.5 COVID variant, we should be aware of which symptoms of a new strain of coronavirus you should be on the lookout for
Health experts claim that the symptoms of the new strain of coronavirus haven't changed significantly from the previous ones. Infected individuals still show signs of fever, sore throat, exhaustion, runny nose, nausea, muscle aches, cough, and sinus congestion. Still, these flu-like symptoms are less frequent, particularly among individuals with vaccinations and boosters. Many people have reported the loss of taste and smell as their primary symptoms from earlier variants; however, studies reveal that loss of taste and smell are not common symptoms in XBB.1.5.
Compared to earlier forms, the Kraken variant seems to be more resistant to the antibodies produced by earlier infections and vaccinations. This indicates that this variant is more adept at dodging previous vaccination and immunity.
The variety first emerged in December and only started to dominate around the middle of January, so it's still too early to say whether it causes more serious sickness, which normally entails hospitalizations and death, in infected individuals.
Although it makes sense that most people are tired of dealing with COVID-19 issues, now is not the time to let our guard down. The fact that XBB.1.5 is far more contagious than earlier variants does not negate the efficacy of COVID vaccinations and boosters.
The best way to avoid getting infected and being admitted to the hospital is to continue using established public health precautions. You, your family, and your community are protected from COVID-19, including from these new variants, by healthy habits like keeping up with vaccines, wearing a mask outdoors, maintaining social distancing, washing and sanitizing your hands frequently and researching relevant news and information about the virus, such as COVID strains map. The updated boosters and the COVID-19 vaccination do more than only stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies by your body. They also impart information on the COVID virus' structure to the immune system's memory cells, enabling the body to establish a defense after infection.
It's also best to prevent going out if you have no important agenda. With Vista Residences, a renowned condominium property developer in the Philippines, staying home will be worthwhile. Because practically everything is nearby, living in Vista Residences allows you to enjoy convenience and security. It is perfect for people who don't want to travel too far as they're close to major universities, transportation hubs, and other central sites. The project's amenities are also made to provide comfort and reliable security in addition to contemporary and fun amenities like cafés, restaurants, and grocery and convenience stores. Vista Residences is projected to supply more condominium units to other emerging locations across the country, particularly in Metro Manila.
For more information on Vista Residences, email info@vistaresidences.com.ph, follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
