How to keep yourself safer and protected from the new COVID-19 Variant XBB.1.5 of 2023?

New COVID-19 Variant XBB.1.5 What is XBB.1.5?

The New COVID-19 variant XBB.1.5 was discovered for the first time in the US in New York in October 2022. It is a recombinant or hybrid virus subvariant, which means it consists of two strains, in this case, two descendants of the Omicron BA.2 sub lineage.

The XBB.1.5 variation features a mutation that virologists think makes the virus more capable of attaching to cells and spreading through them.

The bulk of new COVID-19 cases in the United States is caused by XBB.1.5. Which accounted for 88% of new infections in April 2023, according to the Centre’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant, though, appears to be fading.

NEW COVID-19 VARIANT XBB.1.5 SYMPTOMS

According to multiple sources, the symptoms of the XBB.1.5 variant of COVID-19 include

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Exhaustion
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Runny nose

Like other COVID-19 variations, these symptoms typically last five to seven days. It is crucial to remember that several of these symptoms, such as a sore throat and nose congestion, are also typical signs of seasonal colds and flu, making it challenging to differentiate between the two without testing.

NEW COVID-19 VARIANT XBB.1.5 HOW WILL IT CURE

There is currently no known cure or treatment for the COVID-19 XBB.1.5 variation or any other COVID-19 variants. Several treatments and therapies can reduce the risk of a severe illness or hospitalisation while managing symptoms. These include antiviral medications, monoclonal antibody therapies, and supportive care measures like oxygen therapy and hydration control.

The best method to avoid contracting the XBB.1.5 variety or any other COVID-19 variant is to abide by public health recommendations, including donning masks, keeping a physical distance, avoiding crowded places, often washing your hands, and being immunised.

Because it can dramatically lower the chance of developing severe disease, needing hospitalisation. And passing away from COVID-19, vaccination is particularly crucial. To strengthen protection against novel variations, booster vaccinations are advised.

Remembering that continuing research and creating new medications and vaccinations are the most significant ways to manage COVID-19 variations is crucial.

Scientists and medical experts are constantly working on new research projects to gain a deeper understanding of the virus and create new methods for both prevention and therapy.

IVERMECTIN AS A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR COVID-19

Ivermectin is a medication that has been studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19. It is an antiparasitic drug that has been used for decades to treat various parasitic infections, such as river blindness and scabies.

Some studies have suggested that ivermectin may have antiviral properties and could potentially be effective in treating COVID-19. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to support its widespread use for this purpose, and health organisations such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration has not recommended its use for COVID-19 treatment outside of clinical trials.

It is important to note that while some studies have shown potential benefits of ivermectin for COVID-19. Others have found no significant effect or have raised concerns about the quality of the evidence. Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin for COVID-19.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN BE TAKEN?

According to various sources, including the American Medical Association [1] and NPR [2], the following precautions can help protect against the new COVID-19 variant XBB.1.5:

1.       Wearing a mask indoors can help stop the spread of the infection, especially in busy or poorly ventilated areas.

2.       Social distancing: Keeping at least 6 feet between you and others can help stop the virus from spreading.

3.       Regular hand washing: Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water can assist in killing the virus.

4.       Steer clear of crowded, stuffy areas. Avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated events, restaurants, bars, and other locations can help lower the chance of infection because XBB.1.5 is highly contagious.

5.       Testing before congregating: If you want to assemble with others, consider getting tested for COVID-19 to lower the likelihood of the virus spreading.

6.       Using oral antivirals: Oral antivirals like Paxlovid and molnupiravir, which act by preventing the virus from replicating itself rather than by increasing antibodies, which this strain appears to be able to escape, are anticipated to be effective against XBB.1.5.

It is crucial to remember that these safety measures are not infallible and that being vaccinated and adhering to public health recommendations are the best ways to protect both you and others. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health.

MYTHS

A few things need to be clarified about the brand-new COVID-19 model XBB.1.5 of 2023. The vaccine is useless against this type, according to a prevalent misconception. However, current COVID-19 vaccinations are still effective against XBB.1.5, according to the Centre’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), notwithstanding the possibility of some breakthrough cases. The idea that XBB.1.5 is more lethal than other variations is another fallacy. 

XBB.1.5 is highly contagious. However, no proof exists that it is more lethal than other types. Furthermore, some people think that XBB.1.5 is a brand-new infection. However, XBB.1.5 is a recombinant (or hybrid) virus subvariant comprising two strains and a descendant of the Omicron BA.2 sub lineage.