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Variants

All articles tagged with #variants

health16 days ago•20 min saved

Cicada: Highly Mutated COVID-19 Variant BA.3.2 Tracked as Potential Surge Trigger

Public health authorities are monitoring BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, a highly mutated COVID-19 variant with up to 70–75 mutations detected in the U.S. and in 22 other countries. Current U.S. levels are very low (~0.19% of sequences), but the variant has spread internationally and may evade vaccine- or prior-infection–induced antibodies, potentially weakening protection against infection though vaccines are still expected to guard against severe disease. Experts caution Cicada could drive a summer surge if it spreads more efficiently, but it is not yet dominant, underscoring the need for ongoing genomic surveillance and vaccination.

via Everyday Health|

#covid-19 #health #mutations

health17 days ago•5 min saved

BA.3.2 'Cicada' COVID Variant Triggers Global Watch

CDC and WHO are watching BA.3.2, nicknamed 'Cicada,' a highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in dozens of countries and rising in the U.S.; vaccines may be less effective at preventing infection but still protect against severe disease, and health officials advise testing, staying boosted, masking when needed, and improving ventilation.

via USA Today|

#ba32 #cicada #covid-19

health17 days ago•16 min saved

New Omicron Subvariant BA.3.2 Raises Immunity-Evasion Flags, CDC Warns

CDC is monitoring BA.3.2, an Omicron descendant with spike mutations that may reduce protection from prior infection or vaccination. It has reached 25 U.S. states and 23 countries, with about 0.55% of recent U.S. cases identified in sequencing, though wastewater data show BA.3.2 in 132 samples across 25 states, suggesting wider spread. It’s too early to tell if it increases illness severity, but older adults and immunocompromised individuals appear most at risk. The variant likely emerged in South Africa and has spread internationally, with Europe reporting faster transmission. Genomic surveillance varies by country, so the true spread may be underestimated. Ongoing monitoring and vaccination remains important, particularly to protect vulnerable settings.

via Gizmodo|

#ba32 #cdc #covid-19

health1 month ago•270 min saved

New COVID Symptom Emerges: Bone-Tired Fatigue Coupled With Insomnia

Doctors report March 2026 sees a mix of familiar COVID-19 upper-respiratory symptoms (sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, fever) plus a newer sign: patients feel “bone tired” with insomnia. Experts say progression to severe illness is now less common thanks to immunity, and staying up to date with vaccines remains the best defense. If symptoms appear, get tested and seek care early, as treatments exist for those at higher risk. Protective steps include vaccination, masking in health care spaces, good ventilation, and testing to differentiate from allergies. Variants NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus) and XFG are circulating, with vaccines designed to target current strains; warmer weather doesn’t guarantee fewer cases.

via AOL.com|

#covid-19 #health #insomnia

health1 month ago•270 min saved

New Sleep-Linked COVID Symptom Emerges as 2026 Variants Spread

Doctors say March 2026 COVID symptoms remain largely upper‑airway with a new sleep‑related sign—insomnia and bone‑tired fatigue—plus sore throat, congestion, cough, fever, aches and mild GI symptoms; vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness, with updated vaccines and boosters recommended, while masking in healthcare settings, testing, and early treatment can curb hospitalizations; warmer weather does not guarantee fewer cases as variants evolve and immunity changes.

via AOL.com|

#covid-19 #health #symptoms

health5 months ago•3 min saved

Winter COVID Surge: Areas at 'Very High' Risk and Key Indicators

COVID-19 activity is increasing in parts of the U.S., especially in the Northeast and Western states, with the XFG (Stratus) and Nimbus variants now dominant. While overall cases are lower than pandemic peaks, the virus remains a concern, and new vaccine recommendations have been issued for winter 2025. Monitoring wastewater levels helps track community spread, and precautions are advised for at least five days after infection. Vaccination remains a key tool, especially for vulnerable populations.

via Axios|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health5 months ago•2 min saved

COVID-19 Resurgence: Severity and Symptoms to Watch For

COVID-19 cases are rising globally, but surveillance is less comprehensive than during the pandemic, making it difficult to fully understand the current spread and variants like Stratus and Nimbus. These variants have symptoms similar to previous strains, with Nimbus notably causing a 'razor blade' sore throat. Despite limited data, current surveillance helps assess vaccine effectiveness, and vaccination remains crucial, especially for vulnerable populations.

via Nature|

#covid-19 #health #surveillance

health6 months ago•2 min saved

Rising COVID-19 Cases and New Variants 'Nimbus' and 'Stratus' Raise Concerns

Covid cases are rising in the UK due to new variants Nimbus and Stratus, which do not seem more dangerous but may cause distinctive symptoms like a sore throat. Experts recommend vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, and continued precautions to prevent spread as reinfections remain possible. Testing is less accessible for free, but available at pharmacies and clinics.

via BBC|

#covid #health #nimbus

health6 months ago•6 min saved

New COVID Vaccine Rules Could Disqualify Some: What You Need to Know

The eligibility for the updated COVID-19 vaccine is currently limited to those 65 and older or at high risk of severe illness, with ongoing changes in recommendations and access depending on state policies and insurance coverage. Experts advise consulting healthcare providers and local health departments for the latest information and vaccination options, as guidelines are still evolving.

via Prevention|

#covid-vaccine #health #qualifications

health7 months ago•2 min saved

COVID-19 Cases Rise Again in Multiple US States

COVID-19 cases are rising again in Texas, California, Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico, driven by new variants Stratus and Nimbus, though they are not more severe. Data is less reliable due to funding cuts, but increased hospital visits and positivity rates indicate a resurgence, especially in the South Central and Western US.

via Daily Kos|

#covid-19 #health #surge

health7 months ago•4 min saved

US COVID Cases Rise Again This Summer Amid Ongoing Concerns

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in the US but remain lower than last year, with new variants like XFG dominating. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, though rollout varies by state, and experts advise caution as the country enters respiratory virus season.

via ABC News|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health7 months ago•6 min saved

Summer COVID Resurgence: Regions Facing Sharpest Spikes and CDC Warnings

COVID-19 cases are rising again in the U.S., especially in the West and South Central regions, driven by new variants Stratus and Nimbus. While overall rates are lower than previous peaks, testing and positivity rates suggest more cases than detected. Precautions like vaccination, testing, mask-wearing, and staying home when sick are recommended to prevent severe illness and spread, with vaccine eligibility now more restricted but still crucial for high-risk groups.

via HuffPost|

#covid-19 #health #surge

health7 months ago•2 min saved

COVID-19 Surge Continues Nationwide, Driven by New Variants and Rising Cases in Key States

Western states are currently at a very high risk for COVID-19 due to circulating variants like 'stratus,' with wastewater data indicating elevated viral activity, especially in Utah, Nevada, Texas, Alaska, and Hawaii, amidst ongoing concerns about variant spread and vaccination confusion.

via Axios|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health7 months ago•5 min saved

Rising COVID Cases Prompt Updated Vaccine Guidelines and Delays

COVID-19 cases are rising again with the dominant strain being the XFG variant, a hybrid of Omicron strains. Updated vaccines targeting the current circulating variants are expected to be available in the fall, likely around September, primarily for high-risk groups and older adults. Public health experts recommend vaccination and preventive measures like masking, especially for vulnerable populations, as the new vaccines are designed to prevent severe illness and hospitalizations. The exact eligibility and coverage details for the upcoming vaccines are still being finalized.

via AARP|

#covid-19 #health #public-health

health7 months ago•6 min saved

Covid Cases Rise as New Vaccines Delayed Until September

COVID-19 cases are rising again in the US with a summer wave, but severe illness remains low. Updated vaccines are delayed and may only be approved for high-risk groups until mid-September, raising concerns about access for vulnerable populations. Experts recommend staying current with vaccines, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene to protect oneself and others.

via yahoo.com|

#covid-19 #health #public-health