COVID XBB.1.16, What To Know About The New Covid-19 Variant

COVID XBB.1.16 Variant: Covid-19 instances have dramatically increased in India. Over the previous 24 hours, the country has recorded 10,158 new cases of COVID-19, which is 30% more than yesterday and the death count increased to 5,31,141 with 27 deaths. There are currently 60,313 active cases in the nation, according to data from the Healthy Ministry. The most recent increase in the nation is thought to be caused by the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is keeping an eye on the XBB.1.16 COVID-19 subvariant, which has been spreading through India for a while and is now responsible for a recent uptick in cases there. According to WHO, there are more than 600 Omicron subvariants that are currently in circulation, including Covid XBB.1.16.

Today, many people frequently experience ailments including the common cold, cough, and fever. While some people have Covid-19 infections, others are sick with the flu. Although the number of Covid cases is increasing, the hospitalization rate is still modest and is predicted to stay that way.

Symptoms of Covid XBB.1.16

The symptoms of the Covid XBB.1.16 variant include:

1. Runny nose
2. Sore throat
3. Fatigue
4. Fever
5. Headaches
6. Abdominal discomfort
7. Cough
8. Muscle pain

• The variation can also harm those who have received vaccinations.
• The Covid XBB.1.16 version is extremely contagious yet does not cause any life-threatening consequences.
• People with existing medical issues need to take particular care and safeguards.
• This variation was initially found in January 2023.

What Do We Currently Know About the XBB.1.16 Variant?

It is one of the numerous XBB variations that are currently in use throughout the world. As you are aware, XBB is a cross between two different Omicron sub-variants. The capacity of any Omicron sub-variant to overcome prior infection and vaccination-induced immunity is extremely high. It mutates more frequently to overcome immunity as pressure increases.
Cellular immunity can still neutralize the variations. What we’ve noticed is a pattern: people regain their immunity after being exposed to a more transmissible strain, which causes a rise in cases. Covid XBB.1.16 is probably also experiencing the same thing.

Can The Variant Lead To a Fresh Wave of Covid-19 Cases

According to the INSACOG data, Maharashtra is where the majority of the Covid XBB.1.16 isolates come from, and they were very recently discovered. However, up to this point, there hasn’t been any strain on the health systems in these locations, as evidenced by a sizable influx of patients with serious illnesses who must be hospitalized or who pass away.

While there may be a slight increase in cases, it is unlikely to result in a large wave like the one that occurred in January 2022 when Omicron first entered India. It might resemble the lesser increases we saw after the Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 were discovered later that year, in April. Previous Covid-19 infection has been associated with several consequences, including heart attacks and strokes.

How Can We Protect Against an Infection?

I think we have to keep living our lives. But people can take some measures to reduce exposure, especially the elderly, those with comorbid conditions, and those who are at a high risk of developing serious illnesses. For instance, going to the cinema is not necessary and those at high risk can skip it when the infection is in circulation. Instead, they should avoid congested, poorly ventilated locations.

India has a low coverage rate for booster doses, at just 27%. Should individuals receive a third chance? The majority of people have finished their main immunization, and since we have already been exposed to the pathogen, a further dose of the same vaccine would only marginally improve our level of protection.

Precautions including hand washing, respiratory hygiene, sufficient ventilation in homes and offices, and masked up in crowded settings are more crucial. These precautions will shield people from the flu and other contagious illnesses.

Is Covid-19 Also Ahead of Time to Become a Seasonal Infection?

It appears to be moving in that way; if so, it will presumably circulate like other respiratory viruses and occasionally cause infections. There’s no doubt about it; it won’t go away soon. Most of the population now has some immunity to emerging variations, so they are unlikely to produce waves like those we witnessed earlier in the epidemic. The only real risk is if it jumps to an animal, changes dramatically, then returns and infects us again. That is the absolute worst case.

If you are facing any asthmatic symptoms then consult with the asthma specialist at the best asthma treatment hospital in India, Asthma Bhawan on the emergency line at +91-93529 34531.