All about the new Covid variant
May 30, 2025
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With the recent surge of Covid-19 in parts of India and across the globe, health experts are closely monitoring a new variant of the virus: NB.1.8.1.
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New Covid variant
This subvariant of Omicron has shown early signs of being more immune-evasive than its predecessors, meaning it may be better at escaping the body's defences.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring."
One reason NB.1.8.1 is raising alarms is its increased transmissibility and immune evasion capacity.
"NB.1.8.1 is believed to be about 1.5 times more contagious than the previous LP.8.1 variant," Gautam Menon, dean of research and professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, told IndiaToday.in.
A preliminary study reveals that a mix of stronger cell attachment and weaker immune response means the variant can spread more easily.
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There is currently no indication that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, since most cases are presenting mild symptoms.
Mild symptoms
The new variant causes flu-like symptoms: cough, cold, core throat, fever, headaches, body aches and in some cases stomach issues.
Doctors have said that people don't vaccine or a booster shot just yet.
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