A new COVID variant known as NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the United States, with 20 cases identified so far. The variant, first detected in China last January, now accounts for 10% of SARS-CoV-2 sequences globally, a significant increase from 2.5% four weeks ago.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely, but it has not yet appeared on the agency’s COVID dashboard due to fewer than 25 cases reported. As soon as its prevalence increases, NB.1.8.1 will be tracked by the CDC.
Infectious disease specialists say there are no distinct differences in symptoms between NB.1.8.1 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. The World Health Organization (WHO) suspects that the variant’s mutations may make it more transmissible, potentially reducing the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies.
Common symptoms of NB.1.8.1 include mild cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, fever, chills, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, there is no evidence suggesting the variant causes more severe disease or increased hospitalizations/deaths. Vaccination remains crucial for those at risk of severe disease, including older adults and immune-compromised individuals.
For most people, rest and hydration can help alleviate symptoms, which typically clear up within a week. In cases of severe illness, antivirals like Paxlovid and Molnupiravir may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications. The CDC advises seeking medical attention if experiencing chest pain, difficulty waking up or staying awake, confusion, disorientation, or worsening trouble breathing.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-new-covid-variant-is-here-and-its-more-transmissible-here-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-goog_l_683ef478e4b02a49cce70a90