livi.co.uk > Your health > Covid-19

livi.co.uk > Covid-19 > Header

Covid-19

Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. For the past year, Omicron has been the dominant variant, and it’s been mutating constantly. The latest subvariant of Omicron that scientists have flagged is named XBB.1.5. Here’s what we know.

## Why are there so many subvariants of Omicron?
As a population, we’ve changed a lot since the introduction of the first version of Covid. ‘Collectively, we have many different levels of immunity – from natural immunity from exposure to Covid, to vaccination immunity, to both,’ says Dr Alaeus.

While our immune systems have learned how to defend ourselves, the virus has been learning too. Omicron has had no choice but to find ways around our well-primed immune systems, leading to hundreds of subvariants.

## What makes the XXB.1.5 subvariant different?

The ‘X’ in XXB.1.5 stands for ‘recombinant’, meaning it’s a cross between two other subvariants. This differs from other variants, which have accumulated mutations more gradually.

XXB.1.5 has so-called ‘escape mutations’ that allow it to bypass our defences and infect us more easily. ‘It’s an extremely contagious variant,’ says Dr Alaeus. 

But while it may be more transmissible, there’s no evidence that it makes us sicker. In fact, it’s in the virus’s interests not to cause severe disease. This is because when a disease causes severe illness it also reduces its opportunity to spread.

## What symptoms does XXB.1.5 cause?

In general, Omicron targets the upper respiratory system, and XXB.1.5 is no different. This means you should watch for the same symptoms:
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Runny nose
Headaches
Muscle aches
Fatigue 

‘Remember that this isn’t the flu,’ says Dr Alaeus. ‘Even though Covid comes in through the respiratory tract, it’s not just a respiratory infection. It can still affect your digestive system, kidneys, and other parts of the body.’

## Are the vaccines effective against the new Covid subvariants?
While XBB.1.5 may be the most contagious variant we’ve seen yet, our vaccines will still offer good protection. ‘The vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get infected, but it will reduce your chances of severe sickness,’ says Dr Alaeus. 

## How severe is the outbreak of XBB.1.5?
When we look at our collective risk, we have to consider timing. ‘The spread of Covid depends a lot on whether we’re inside or outside more,’ says Dr Alaeus.

‘In the northern hemisphere, we’re slowly heading towards warmer weather. That means XBB.1.5 may not gain as much traction as it would have if we saw it in October. We have to wait and see.’

## What’s the best way to protect myself and others against XBB.1.5?
Vaccines are still our best defence against the virus. ‘Keep up to date with your vaccines, and if you haven’t had one, go get one’ says Dr Alaeus.

‘If you’re feeling sick, stay home, and if possible test yourself with an antigen or rapid self test. It varies a lot between people and variants of Covid, but you can spread Covid for up to a week,’ cautions Dr Alaeus.

Dr Alaeus also recommends using the same tactics we know well to prevent spread even though we don’t have the same restrictions. Wash your hands, wear your mask in public spaces.

‘Remember that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is behind the Covid-infection is also airborne – it doesn’t only spread via droplets. We’ve learned during the pandemic how important it is to keep some physical distance from one another. Go outside if you can – especially if you’re meeting people who are more vulnerable.’ Good ventilation indoors is also important.

## What will happen in the future?
Scientists have predicted that new variants of Covid-19 might turn out to be less dangerous. So far, the new variants seem to be following this prediction, but there’s more data to come. 

Dr Alaeus says, ‘None of this comes as a surprise to the scientific and clinical community. We knew Covid-19 would continue to mutate and create new variants. Scientists have to continue to monitor the virus and its evolution closely.’ 

__This article has been medically approved by Dr Annette Alaeus, Livi’s Head of Infectious Diseases.__


Livi.co.uk > Your health > Covid variants — what you need to know

Covid variants — what you need to know

Omicron, a new variant of Covid-19, has emerged around the world. Dr Annette Alaeus, Livi’s Head of Infectious Diseases, explains what we know so far

Coronavirus

livi.co.uk > Covid-19 > Articles 

Livi UK

Livi is Europe’s leading digital healthcare provider. We combine digital technology with clinical expertise to help NHS services and health insurers solve the biggest challenges in healthcare.

Livi.co.uk > Meta information

Global > og Image > LIVI

Livi | Building better healthcare for everyone

Livi.co.uk > Winter price promotion > Banner

Livi.co.uk > Winter price promotion > Banner > CTA

Livi.co.uk > redirect 

Livi.co.uk > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > news

livi.co.uk > Practice list

livi.co.uk > mental health

livi.co.uk > Connect redirect

livi.co.uk > Lower abdominal pain

livi.co.uk > covid 1 redirect

livi.co.uk > covid 2

livi.co.uk > SAD

livi.co.uk > cardiovascular

livi.co.uk > BMI

livi.co.uk > acute cholecystitis

livi.co.uk > redirect > birth control pill

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Bacterial Vaginosis

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Cervical cancer

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Vaginal thrush

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Vulvodynia

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Vaginal cancer

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Ovarian cyst

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Ovarian cancer

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Miscarriage

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Fibroids

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Endometriosis

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Breast cancer

livi.co.uk > redirect > womens health medical advice

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Body literacy

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Running injuries

Redirect > cervical screening

livi.co.uk > Your Health > Concussion symptoms

livi.co.uk > Gonorrhoea redirect

livi.co.uk > Medical advice > Gallstones

Redirect > Cervical screening

Redirect > Genital herpes

Redirect > Vitamins

Redirect > Urinary incontinence

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Career

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Career Business

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Career Clinician

livi.co.uk > Redirect > Career Jobs

livi.co.uk > Allergies pages> Redirect

livi.co.uk > Allergies Hub > redirect

livi.co.uk > cardiovascular pages > redirect

livi.co.uk > cardiovascular hub > redirect

livi.co.uk > coeliac disease > redirect

livi.co.uk > Menopause > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Lactose intolerance > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Bowel cancer > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Pancreatic cancer > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Cervical cancer > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Redirect > Ovarian cancer

livi.co.uk > Overactive thyroid > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Vaginal cancer > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Skin cancer > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Bladder cancer > Redirect 

livi.co.uk > Type 2 diabetes > redirect

livi.co.uk > Underactive thyroid > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Acute sinusitis > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Kidney cancer > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Ear infections > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Sore throat > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Strep throat > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Tinnitus > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Bed wetting in children > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > BMI calculator > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Huntington's disease > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Cataracts > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Insomnia > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Digestive Problems Pages > redirect

livi.co.uk > musculoskeletal disorders hub > redirect 

livi.co.uk > Neurology hub > redirect

livi.co.uk > Digestive hub > Redirect

livi.co.uk > ADHD > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Sleep apnoea > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Sleep paralysis > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Snoring > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Vertigo > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Autism > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Dyslexia > Redirect

livi.co.uk > Dyspraxia > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Chlamydia > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Genital herpes > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Musculoskeletal Pages > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Pubic lice > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Genital warts > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Neurological disorders pages > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Hepatitis B > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Hepatitis C > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Learning disabilities > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > STIs > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Respiratory conditions hub > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Respiratory Conditions Pages > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Fatty Liver > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > cystitis > redirect

livi.co.uk > Moles > Redirect

livi.co.uk > UTI > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Contraception Hub > Redirect

Livi.co.uk > Contraception Hub Pages > Redirect