Latest news with #NB.1.8.1
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Nasty symptoms of new Covid variant as 180 people hit in latest wave
Covid is creeping back - and a new strain now sweeping across Ireland is bringing nasty and unexpected symptoms that some people could easily mistake for other illnesses. The variant, officially named NB.1.8.1 but dubbed 'Nimbus', has now been detected in Ireland and is spreading fast, with health officials reporting that cases are climbing across the country. According to Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), confirmed Covid cases across all variants rose sharply from 152 two weeks ago to 332 in the past week, a jump of 180 new cases in the last fortnight. Of those sequenced, Nimbus made up 14% of recent cases and has now been added to the World Health Organization's (WHO) watchlist, after global numbers went from just 2.5% in March to over 10% by late April. While the new strain doesn't appear to cause more severe illness, experts fear it may be more contagious, and its symptoms are catching many people off guard. While older variants typically presented like a bad cold or flu, NB.1.8.1 is now being linked to stomach-related issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and even heartburn. Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." People in Ireland who find themselves unwell with gastrointestinal issues may actually have Covid, according to the HSE. Ireland's public health guidelines remain the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The HSE is reminding the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include:
Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. 'Razor blade throat': What to know about COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 What is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. How common is NB.1.8.1? For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: How can you protect yourself from NB.1.8.1 and other variants? The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. How to (still) get a COVID-19 test for free Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance. According to the CDC, as of May 27, more than 19,000 locations across the country offer free testing. To find a location near you that offers free testing, visit
News18
22-06-2025
- Health
- News18
All About The New COVID-19 Variant Causing 'Razor Blade' Sore Throats
Last Updated: The new variant called the NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the US among travellers coming in from Western Pacific nations, with a rising number of patients. The recent spike in coronavirus cases in certain parts of the world has been attributed to a new variant of the virus that caused a global health pandemic, nicknamed the 'razor blade throat" COVID. The variant is called the NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' and causes painful sore throats among those who come into contact. The symptom has been discovered by scientists in India and the United Kingdom, apart from other parts of the world, according to various media outlets. Just when the world was beginning to move on from the horrors of the global health emergency, coronavirus has sprung back into news and discussions with a rising number of affected persons by the new variant. Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell are proven symptoms of any COVID variant, but Nimbus especially attacks one's throat. While health experts suggest there isn't a cause for major worries about this form of COVID, here is what you need to know about the variant responsible for the sudden spike in global cases. According to a statement dated May 28 by the World Health Organisation, the variant causing the 'razor blade throat' has been spreading primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions. The new variant is responsible for nearly 11% of the global sequenced samples reported since May. In the United States, airport screening held in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York found travellers coming in from those regions affected by the new variant. The new variant is unlikely to cause any worse damage than other variants of the virus that emerged from China in December 2019. Even though Western Pacific countries have reported an increasing number of cases and persons hospitalised, the WHO says there is no proof to suggest the Nimbus variant comes with a disease and symptoms more dangerous than other variants. Likewise, the vaccines proven effective against those variants will help provide relief against NB.1.8.1 as well. The WHO has marked the public health risk from the new variant at a low level, designating it as a 'variant under monitoring" with current vaccinations remaining effective. Last month, Robert F Kennedy Jr announced that COVID-19 injection shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and women undergoing pregnancy. But public health experts raised an immediate question mark on the claim made by the US Health Secretary. First Published: June 22, 2025, 12:37 IST
