#What is known about the new COVID's XBB.1.5 variant?

The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, which the WHO has deemed to be the most contagious to date, has been the subject of numerous case reports.

The Omicron COVID variant continues to amaze us with a significantly more potent and immune-evasion subvariant every few months. Additionally, the newest member of the family is XBB.1.5. The COVID-19 subvariant XBB.1.5 has been rapidly spreading and accounts for 40.5% of cases in the United States. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 38 countries have reported cases of XBB.1.5, with the United States accounting for 82%, Great Britain for 8%, and Denmark for 2%.

The XBB.1 subvariant is 63 times less likely than the BA.2 subvariant to be neutralized by current antibodies, according to a study published in the journal Cell last month. Additionally, it is 49 times more resistant than the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which are currently prevalent in Britain and a number of other nations.

Syra Madad, senior director of the System-wide Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals, advised "layering on protection, as no one layer is 100%" in addition to receiving all recommended vaccinations.

"This includes wearing a high-quality mask in an indoor environment with inadequate ventilation or in congested locations," she told AL Jezeera.

"We can all affirm with confidence that masks have worked and are an excellent tool to reduce one's chance of contracting COVID-19 after three years of dealing with this pandemic."

#Scientists say it is extremely contagious.

The term "contagious" refers to the rate of a virus's spread. Very little information has been provided regarding the severity of the infection brought on by this sub variety.

There is a novel mutation at the 486th location of the spike protein.

The superior immunological evasiveness of the original strain has been preserved by the subvariation. According to INSACOG's report from last week, India has reported seven cases of XBB.1.5. This is currently leading to an increase in COVID cases in both the US and the UK.

XBB.1.5 and COVID share a number of the same symptoms.

Coughing, a sore throat, a headache, hoarseness of voice, and other symptoms are the most common signs of COVID.

INSACOG reports nationwide genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 through the sequencing of samples from sentinel sites and foreign travelers entering India.

Doctors say that getting vaccinated against COVID can help lower the risk of getting a serious infection.

They are thought to lower the risk of being hospitalized and dying in people who are physically vulnerable, but they are also thought to lower the risk of being hospitalized and dying in people who are medically vulnerable.

Although it is claimed that vaccination confers 100% immunity, this is not the case.

               Stay safe;Stay healthy:)