CLINICAL FEATURES OF A NEW COVID-19 VARIANT – XBB.1.5

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the study – research, analysis and synthesis of data from world literature sources on a new strain of COVID-19 – XBB.1.5. Results. All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 change over time. At the end of 2022 new “variant of concern” of SARS-CoV-2 – XBB.1.5 has appeared. The XBB.1.5 strain of SARS-CoV-2, nicknamed as “Kraken variant”, is a sub-lineage of the Omicron XBB variant, which is a recombinant of the other Omicron subvariants – BA.2.10.1, and BA.2.75. It is not more dangerous than the original Omicron strain but it does have a “growth advantage” which means it could spread more quickly. Some studies confirm that the XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible form of COVID-19. The “Kraken variant” has some distinct symptoms. The signs and symptoms of XBB.1.15 are more “cold-like than flu-like”. These include: runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat. A high temperature – once one of the most prevalent Covid-19 symptoms – has fallen from the top 20 list of symptoms for the first time. Conclusions. While there are currently no vaccine effectiveness estimates for XBB.1.5, the available vaccines still remain effective against severe disease, even though there is some evidence of waning over time. Antiviral drugs and other drugs are still working very well, particularly in high-risk populations. Not less important for control of a new strain is to maintain safety protocols. These include: wearing well-fitted masks and maintaining social distancing when you are in crowded areas, good ventilation of premises, self-isolation at home during illness, frequent and correct hand washing, keeping your body well-hydrated and following a healthy diet.

The article is available at the Institutional Repository of Odesa National Medical University http://journal.odmu.edu.ua/?p=7611&lang=en