A new H3N2 flu variant, subclade K, is spreading in Southern California, raising concerns among health experts. Although the current flu activity is low, the variant is not covered by this season's vaccine, but vaccination and preventive measures like handwashing and masks are recommended to reduce severe illness. The flu season is expected to peak in January and February.
A new mpox variant, known as clade Ib, is spreading in communities in the US and Europe, with California reporting cases that suggest undetected local transmission. While the overall risk remains low, public health officials are concerned about the potential for wider spread, especially as vaccination efforts continue and surveillance methods evolve. The outbreak highlights challenges in monitoring and controlling mpox, particularly amid reduced public health resources and the importance of community-led initiatives.
A new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant called Stratus is on the rise in the U.S., accounting for about 85% of cases, with symptoms similar to earlier strains. Prevention and treatment remain consistent with previous COVID protocols, and existing vaccines are still considered effective. Recent changes in vaccination guidelines now recommend individual decision-making rather than universal vaccination, leading to some confusion.
The CDC reports a nationwide rise in COVID-19 cases and ER visits amid internal chaos and recent leadership resignations, partly due to disagreements over new vaccine policies and the surge of the Stratus variant, just ahead of Labor Day travel.
A new COVID variant called Stratus (XFG) is spreading in the US, with symptoms similar to other variants including hoarseness, fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. The variant, first identified in Southeast Asia, now accounts for about 14% of cases and is considered low risk by WHO. COVID cases are rising across 40 states, especially in the South, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest, following typical seasonal waves.
A new COVID variant called XFG or 'Stratus' is spreading in the U.S. and globally, accounting for up to 14% of cases in the U.S. as of late June. It is a combination of variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, with mutations that may help it evade immune responses but is less contagious and not associated with more severe disease. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective against it, and symptoms are similar to other COVID variants, with some reports of hoarseness.
Covid cases are rising across 27 U.S. states this summer, driven by the dominant Omicron offshoot N.B.1.8.1, with experts suggesting a potential small surge. While new vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 strain are expected in fall mainly for high-risk groups, current population immunity may help prevent severe illness, and high-risk individuals are advised to consider vaccination and indoor masking.
A new Covid variant called Stratus (XFG) has become dominant in the UK, characterized by a unique symptom of hoarseness. Despite mutations that may help it evade immunity, it appears to cause no more severe illness than previous Omicron variants, and the WHO considers the global risk low.
A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, is rapidly spreading in the U.S., with a distinctive painful sore throat called 'razor blade throat' among its symptoms. While current vaccines remain effective and the strain isn't linked to more severe illness, health officials are monitoring its spread and characteristics.
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading globally but poses a low risk to public health, with no evidence of increased severity or impact on vaccine effectiveness, though it may exhibit some immune escape properties, according to the WHO.
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), has been identified in the US and globally, characterized by a severe sore throat described as 'razor-blade', along with symptoms like dry cough and fatigue. It appears more transmissible but not more severe, prompting health officials to recommend precautions such as masking and vaccination.
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading in the U.S., accounting for 37% of cases, with symptoms including a severe sore throat called 'razor blade throat.' It may spread faster and evade immunity better than previous strains, though vaccines remain effective. Changes in U.S. vaccination policy could limit access for some groups.
A new COVID-19 variant called Nimbus is spreading in the U.S., causing severe sore throats described as 'razor blade' pain, and now accounts for over a third of cases nationwide. While it does not seem to pose a greater public health threat than other variants, it is being closely monitored. Vaccines remain effective against Nimbus, but recent changes in vaccination recommendations have caused confusion about eligibility.
A new covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is rapidly spreading in the U.S., causing about 37% of cases and potentially leading to a summer surge, though it currently doesn't cause more severe illness and vaccines remain effective.
A new Covid variant called Nimbus has been detected in 13 US states, showing increased infectivity and a unique symptom called 'razor blade throat.' Despite its spread, global health authorities believe current vaccines remain effective, and updates to vaccines are underway to better target this strain. Experts warn of a potential summer surge due to waning immunity and increased indoor activity.
