A new, aggressive flu strain called Influenza A H3N2 subclade K is causing a severe and widespread flu season globally, with symptoms more intense than usual. The strain's severity is compounded by low vaccination rates and a mismatch with the current vaccine, raising concerns about increased cases and hospitalizations. Health experts recommend vaccination, good hygiene, and staying home when sick to mitigate the impact.
Early CDC data suggests that the COVID variant JN.1 is not leading to more severe disease, with no evidence linking it to increased disease severity. The CDC is still awaiting more data to provide a detailed assessment of JN.1's impact. While the spread of JN.1 has not led to an increased assessment of COVID-19's threat this winter, some regions, particularly in New England, are experiencing strain on hospital capacity.
A highly mutated Covid variant, BA.2.86 "Pirola," closely related to the dominant JN.1 strain, has been found to fuse to lung cells faster than other Omicron strains, potentially indicating a more severe form of the virus. Experts suggest that this variant may exhibit signs of older, more deadly strains, raising concerns about the severity of the latest wave of coronavirus. Research indicates that BA.2.86 binds more efficiently to cells in the lower lung, resembling traits of more deadly strains before Omicron, and may pose an elevated health threat compared to previous Omicron sublineages.
HV.1, the new dominant COVID-19 variant in the United States, is more infectious and better at making people sick, according to a Utah health expert. While it doesn't appear to be more severe than the previous variant, EG.5, it is still causing serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. The timing of the variant's spread during the fall/winter season is concerning, as it coincides with increased indoor activities and holidays. Another newer variant, JN.1, has been detected in Iceland and other countries, but its impact is still being monitored. HV.1 now accounts for over a quarter of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., while Eris, the previous dominant variant, remains close behind.
A recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll reveals that 41% of Americans believe that COVID-19 is more severe than the flu, while 34% think they are about the same, and 7% believe the flu is more severe. Additionally, 27% of Americans consider COVID-19 comparable to a cold, while 55% believe it is more severe. The poll also highlights a political divide, with 51% of Republicans thinking COVID and the flu are about the same, compared to 22% of Democrats. Experts emphasize the importance of taking both COVID-19 and the flu seriously and recommend vaccination for both.
Health experts have observed a significant decrease in the severity of Covid-19 cases, with symptoms now resembling those of a common cold. Dr. Erick Eiting, vice chair of operations for emergency medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, stated that the virus has become so mild that it is difficult to distinguish it from a common cold. The three prevalent symptoms highlighted by Dr. Eiting are congestion, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. Loss of taste and smell now only affects around 10-20% of Covid patients, compared to 60-70% during the early stages of the pandemic. Additionally, fewer patients require intense hospital care compared to last year.
The EU.1.1 variant, a descendant of the XBB.1.5 variant, currently accounts for 1.7% of U.S. COVID cases. Experts suggest caution but do not consider it a cause for alarm as it does not appear to have a significant advantage in terms of transmissibility or severity compared to other circulating lineages. The variant has been detected primarily in Utah, but signs indicate it may be slowing down. Immunocompromised individuals are advised to take XBB.1.5 boosters when available. The FDA expects these boosters to be available in the fall.
Warren Buffett predicts a downturn and suggests that inflation data and earnings will indicate its severity. Despite the strength of the US labor market, the threat of recession still looms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of diabetes is almost 50% higher in severe and deceased COVID-19 patients than in all hospitalized patients, indicating a correlation between COVID-19 severity and global diabetes prevalence. Diabetes contributed to 9.5% of severe COVID-19 cases and 16.8% of deaths, with variations depending on country income, healthcare accessibility, and disease burden. The study reinforces the fact that individuals living with diabetes are more likely to progress to severe complications when infected by SARS-CoV-2.
