As life during the pandemic has come to teach us, COVID-19 often evolves into several different “variants.” These variants--Omicron, Delta, and now a new strain--occur when the viruses mutate and their DNA sequence changes. These genetic changes cause certain features and mechanisms of the virus to change: for instance, the Omicron variant--the result of 50+ mutations--transformed viral proteins and how the virus entered cells.
Now, a new variant is emerging. Called variant XBB.1.5, the newest mutation is suspected to be highly infectious. It is a hybrid form--a recombinant--of two previous forms of the Omicron virus. Preliminary data indicates that up to 40% of cases in the United States are attributed to this new variant, a steep rise from the 1% reported last month. The variant is especially prevalent in the New England and New York areas.
In particular, XBB.1.5 appears to bind more tightly to the body’s receptors, which may contribute to its infection rate and easy transmission. Additionally, researchers suspect that overall human behavior--holiday traveling and masking--may be correlated with the spread.
Still, COVID vaccination seems to remain effective at preventing the high-intensity and severe symptoms of the virus. A study published in December claims that COVID booster shots and bivalent vaccines remain effective against the virus thus far. Indeed, antiviral treatments also still seem to work against the variant.
While information about this variant is still rapidly developing, the principles that the pandemic has taught us still ring true. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are still viable to prevent drastic symptoms. Avoiding scenarios for easy infection may also be advisable, especially for those most likely to be affected by the virus. It is still unclear whether XBB.1.5 will truly worsen the pandemic, but caution and keeping up to date with its developments are key. Stay tuned!
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