Here’s What To Expect From A New COVID Variant Going Around

According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, NB.1.8.1’s symptoms are pretty much the same as those seen with other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Two of COVID’s hallmark symptoms are a mild but persistent dry cough and nasal congestion, Hoy said. Many people who come down with COVID are also hit with fatigue and tiredness. “An infected person can still make it through the day, but they are resting more and feel more tired throughout the day,” Hoy said.

Other common symptoms include a fever, chills, a sore throat, and muscle aches. “Some have described recent variants as less intense symptoms as compared to wintertime influenza viruses, but both can have severe symptoms,” Hoy said.

There’s no evidence suggesting the variant causes more severe disease or an uptick in hospitalizations or deaths, the WHO states. The only noticeable aspect, as of now, is that it’s rising in prevalence, Adalja said.

How effective are the vaccines against NB.1.8.1?