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Covid 19 Variants

All articles tagged with #covid 19 variants

health2 years ago

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Surge in Wisconsin as Winter Holidays Approach

COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising in Wisconsin, particularly among those aged 65 and older. The number of daily hospitalizations is still lower than during previous surges, but the situation is concerning. Vaccination rates remain low, with only a small percentage of residents, including vulnerable elderly individuals, receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The JN.1 variant is rapidly spreading and accounts for a significant portion of infections. Available treatments include antiviral pills and injections, but uptake and accessibility are important challenges. Public health officials urge people to get vaccinated, consider available treatments, and take precautions during the winter holidays.

via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|
#covid-19-hospitalizations#covid-19-vaccines#covid-19-variants
health2 years ago

Rapid Spread of COVID-19 Variant JN.1 Raises Concerns

New variants of COVID-19, including the JN.1 strain, are spreading rapidly in the U.S. just as Americans are traveling for the holidays. The JN.1 variant now accounts for about 21% of COVID-19 cases in the country, and health officials predict its presence will continue to increase nationwide. Other variants like HK.3, JG.3, and JD.1.1 are also spreading. The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated to target these variants, but uptake has been low. COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are increasing, and respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV are also on the rise.

via AARP|
#covid-19-vaccine#covid-19-variants#health
health2 years ago

"The Evolving Threat: WHO's Close Watch on COVID Variants"

Multiple subvariants of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are currently circulating globally, including EG.5 (Eris), HV.1, and BA.2.86. While these variants have accumulated mutations that allow them to better infect individuals with immunity to SARS-CoV-2, there is currently no evidence of increased disease severity. Testing and surveillance efforts have decreased, hindering the ability to track and study emerging variants. Experts emphasize the importance of continued vaccination, mask-wearing, and testing to prevent further spread.

via Euronews|
#ba286#covid-19-variants#eg5
health2 years ago

CDC Provides Updates on Dominant COVID-19 Variants in the U.S.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the spread of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant, which is part of the same lineage as the BA.2.86 variant. JN.1 contains an extra spike mutation and has been detected in the United States and 11 other countries. The CDC expects that updated COVID vaccines will help protect against both variants, and it reassures the public that new variants are monitored for their impact on vaccines, tests, and treatments. In other news, a study from Japan suggests that seasonal flu vaccination is associated with reduced antibiotic use in people over 65. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to avoid certain over-the-counter eye drops due to potential infection risk. A study from Denmark found that over 50% of long-COVID patients failed to improve 1.5 years after their initial diagnosis, regardless of the variant they were infected with. Lastly, a study in British Columbia, Canada, revealed that by July 2023, over 80% of residents younger than 50 had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, while over 40% of those aged 80 or older remained uninfected and at higher risk for severe outcomes.

via University of Minnesota Twin Cities|
#ba286#cdc#covid-19-variants
health2 years ago

NYC Allocates $28M for Disease Detectives to Combat Polio, Ebola, and COVID

New York City is allocating $28 million for "disease detectives" and other health professionals to prepare for potential outbreaks, including new COVID-19 variants, polio, Ebola, and smallpox. The city has awarded contracts to temp agencies to provide licensed laboratory technicians, clinicians, and disease investigators to assist with disease detection, testing antibiotic resistance, and other services. The move comes amid an influx of over 125,000 migrants since April, with concerns about unvaccinated individuals entering the city. Health experts say the listed outbreak possibilities are used to justify the procurement spending, as new diseases are emerging and spreading faster than ever before.

via New York Post |
#covid-19-variants#disease-detectives#health
health2 years ago

COVID Boosters: Experts Say New Vaccine Could Help as Weekly Hospitalizations Reach 20,000

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise again, there are new COVID variants to be aware of. The new COVID boosters from Moderna and Pfizer target the Omicron subvariant and have shown increased neutralizing antibodies against the EG.5 and BA.2.86 variants. These monovalent boosters are better matched for the circulating variants and have been effective in protecting against severe COVID and death. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older to get the updated shot, and major pharmacies are now booking appointments. Side effects are similar to previous vaccines, and it is possible to get the COVID booster at the same time as the flu shot. The vaccine should be fully covered by health insurance or available for free at participating health centers and pharmacies.

via Women's Health|
#cdc#covid-19-boosters#covid-19-variants
health2 years ago

COVID Variant Update: EG.5, BA.2.86, Eris, and Pirola - What You Need to Know

As new variants of Covid-19 circulate, medical experts emphasize the importance of being aware of the symptoms and taking necessary precautions. Currently, the EG.5 and BA.2.86 variants are being monitored, with the former showing potential for increased transmissibility. Symptoms of these variants are similar to previous strains, including flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, muscle aches, chills, and a dry cough. While there are no unique symptoms linked to the new variants, fewer patients are experiencing low oxygen levels and shortness of breath, likely due to immunity from vaccinations and previous exposure. To protect against the new variants, it is crucial to get vaccinated and continue to receive boosters. Testing is recommended for individuals with symptoms, and isolation is advised for those who test positive or have symptoms. As the virus continues to evolve, new variants may emerge with potentially different symptoms.

via Men's Health|
#covid-19-variants#health#protection
health2 years ago

"Fauci Urges Vigilance as COVID Variant Surges and Mask Mandates Return"

Dr. Anthony Fauci has downplayed the seriousness of the new COVID-19 variants, stating that the majority of the population has enough immunity to prevent severe infections. While some private institutions in the US have reintroduced mask mandates to limit the spread of the variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently has no plans to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing. Fauci believes that a surge in hospitalizations and deaths similar to previous waves is unlikely due to the level of community-level protection. However, he cautioned that vulnerable individuals may still be at risk.

via Newsweek|
#anthony-fauci#covid-19-variants#health
health2 years ago

CDC Addresses Speculation and Claims Regarding Mask Mandate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that it currently has no plans to reintroduce mask mandates despite the rise in COVID-19 infections linked to new variants. The CDC spokesperson emphasized that their recommendations are based on current circumstances and will be adjusted accordingly. While some private institutions have reinstated mask requirements, the CDC's guidance on wearing masks has not been updated since May. Hospitalization rates remain low for the majority of the country, and the CDC continues to recommend vaccination and other preventive measures. Speculation about mask mandates was fueled by a Department of Health and Human Services report, and former President Donald Trump criticized the alleged plans. Legal challenges could hinder the enforcement of any mask mandate.

via Newsweek|
#cdc#covid-19-variants#health
health2 years ago

Tucson health officials discuss potential CDC guideline update on masks

The CDC is considering recommending universal masking in areas with 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 people due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and new variants. While some mask mandates have already been implemented, Tucson health officials believe that the situation does not currently warrant universal masking. They emphasize the importance of personal assessment and caution against mask fatigue. However, they encourage individuals to consider wearing masks for protection against not only COVID-19 but also other viruses like the flu and RSV.

via KOLD|
#cdc#covid-19-variants#health
health2 years ago

"Unraveling the Spread of New COVID Variants EG.5, FL.1.5.1, and BA.2.86"

Health authorities are closely monitoring the spread of three new COVID-19 variants in the United States: EG.5, FL.1.5.1, and BA.2.86. EG.5 is currently the dominant strain, followed by FL.1.5.1. The highly mutated BA.2.86 variant is still relatively rare but has raised concerns due to its numerous mutations. Symptoms for these variants appear to be largely the same as previous strains, and COVID-19 tests are expected to work effectively against them. Vaccine makers anticipate that the upcoming COVID-19 booster shots will be effective against EG.5 and FL.1.5.1, but it remains uncertain if BA.2.86 could impact the effectiveness of the vaccines.

via CBS News|
#ba286#covid-19-tests#covid-19-vaccines
health2 years ago

"Emerging COVID Variants EG.5, FL.1.5.1, and BA.2.86: What You Need to Know"

Health authorities are monitoring the spread of three new COVID-19 variants in the US: EG.5, FL.1.5.1, and BA.2.86. EG.5 is currently the dominant strain, followed by FL.1.5.1. These variants share a mutation known as F456L, which may contribute to their increased spread. Symptoms for these variants appear to be largely the same as previous strains, and COVID-19 tests are expected to work for them. Vaccine makers anticipate that the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine boosters will be effective against EG.5 and FL.1.5.1. However, it is uncertain whether BA.2.86 could impact the effectiveness of the vaccines.

via Yahoo Life|
#ba286#covid-19-variants#covid-tests
health2 years ago

COVID-19 Variants: Risks, Increasing Activity, Vaccination Campaigns, and Public Concern

As the EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 variants of COVID-19 continue to spread, a Staten Island infectious disease specialist advises vulnerable individuals, such as those over 65 or immunocompromised, to wear masks and be cautious. Both variants are descendants of the omicron variant and share similar symptoms. While hospitalizations have increased, respiratory failure is not commonly observed. The upcoming bivalent booster is expected to provide protection against these variants. People are advised to stay indoors if they test positive and to wear masks when going outside. The at-home COVID tests can detect the new variants, and individuals testing positive should avoid public spaces.

via SILive.com|
#covid-19-variants#eg5#fl151
health2 years ago

Emergence of EU.1.1 COVID Variant in Multiple US States

The CDC is now tracking the EU.1.1 variant, a descendant of the XBB.1.5 variant, which is estimated to account for 1.7% of U.S. COVID-19 cases nationwide and potentially up to 8.7% in certain regions. It is unclear if EU.1.1 will cause new or different symptoms. Most variants in the U.S. belong to the XBB family, with XBB.1.5 being the largest at 27% of infections. COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Utah have slowed, and the FDA has recommended revising vaccines to target the XBB.1.5 variant. Moderna has submitted its revised vaccine for emergency use authorization, which is expected to provide protection against related variants as well.

via CBS News|
#cdc#covid-19-variants#eu11