Latest news with #XFG
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptom that hits '3 times in 24 hours' could signal Covid
The latest figures also highlighted two of the most dominant Covid variants at the moment People should stay vigilant for signs of COVID-19 as there's been a marginal uptick in cases across the UK. Government data reveals that in the week up to June 15, there has been an increase in the number of confirmed Covid infections in England. This included people in hospital who were given PCR tests. Hospital admissions due to coronavirus also increased slightly compared to the previous week. The predominant strains circulating during that time were identified as LP. 8.1.1 and XFG, each contributing to 19.87 per cent of the reported cases. Also present was the "Nimbus" strain or NB.1.8.1, representing 3.97 per cent of infections. LP. 8.1.1 evolved from LP. 8.1 which itself is a descendant of Omicron, with the original LP.8.1 having surfaced in July 2024 and later categorised as a "variant under monitoring" by WHO in January. Symptoms Currently, it remains uncertain whether LP. 8.1.1 triggers specific symptoms distinctive from other strains. Thomas Jeffries, a senior microbiology lecturer at Western Sydney University, observed that LP.8.1 does not seem to be responsible for exceptionally severe symptoms. Writing for The Conversation, he said: "Notably, the symptoms of LP.8.1 don't appear to be any more severe than other circulating strains. And the WHO has evaluated the additional public health risk LP.8.1 poses at a global level to be low. "What's more, LP.8.1 remains a variant under monitoring, rather than a variant of interest or a variant of concern. In other words, these changes to the virus with LP.8.1 are small, and not likely to make a big difference to the trajectory of the pandemic." However, according to the NHS, one definitive symptom of Covid is a new or persistent cough, which may involve three or more "coughing episodes" in 24 hours. Other indicators on the list are: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick. The NHS guidance for those with symptoms of Covid suggests self-isolation until recovery. For those who receive a positive Covid test result, the NHS advocates staying home and away from others for five days, although it's not legally required. Further analysis of recent Covid statistics reveals that the weekly mean positivity rate for PCR tests in English hospitals was up slightly at 6.6 per cent for the week leading up to June 15, compared to 6.2 per cent in the prior week. The total weekly hospital admission rate for COVID-19 saw a slight rise to 1.53 per 100,000 from the previous week's 1.44 per 100,000. However, the overall rate of COVID-19 patients in ICU or HDU remained steady at 0.04 per 100,000, mirroring the previous week's figure.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant strain, multiple Omicron subvariants spreading in Maharashtra, reveals genome study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Eugenópolis (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring [VUM] by WHO). After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " Hospitals in the city reported a noticeable uptick in Covid cases this week compared to previous weeks. Daily or alternate-day deaths, mostly among those with pre-existing conditions, have been recorded. The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since January this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant Covid strain in Maharashtra, finds genome sequencing study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring by WHO). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since Jan this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
COVID cases: Know about the daily wellness routine to stay prepared and healthy
COVID cases are rising, and there are a lot of concerns about the increasing numbers. There's also a variant, which raises questions about its severity and what it means. But instead of panicking, staying well-informed is the first line of protection. With appropriate, reliable information and by staying calm, one can easily navigate this phase with confidence. From knowing the ideal wellness routine to understanding the latest strain, you can stay prepared, protected and proactive during this uncertain COVID season. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand the latest COVID-19 developments about the emerging variant, along with practical ways to stay prepared. Prof. (Dr) Balram Bhargava, former Director General of ICMR and Secretary of the Department of Health Research, who played a central role in managing the COVID-19 response in India, shared with HT Lifestyle about one of the emerging variants and what it means. 'The emergence of the XFG variant is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's natural evolution. XFG carries mutations which may enhance its ability to bind to human cells and bypass immune defences. Early reports suggest that the variant has high immune escape potential, but there is no current evidence to indicate increased severity." Amid rising COVID-19 cases and concerns over the new XFG variant, Dr Bhargava assured about India's diagnostic infrastructure. He said, "However, as the virus adapts, so has India's diagnostic infrastructure adapted since the very first wave. RT-PCR remains the cornerstone of COVID-19 diagnostics, and the widespread deployment of rapid molecular platforms like Truenat puts India in a strong position to detect and contain emerging variants swiftly, even in remote and resource-limited settings. Point-of-care testing played a crucial role during the pandemic then, and it continues to be a frontline tool for detecting emerging variants like XFG. Vigilance is critical now, and do not panic. As we've done in the past, we should continue testing when symptomatic, masking in crowded spaces, and staying up to date with vaccinations.' Now that you are aware of the emerging XFG variant and what it means, let's focus on staying healthy and building immunity. Dr Bharesh Dedhia, Consultant, Intensive Care at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Khar, shared a guide for a daily wellness routine: ALSO READ: COVID spiking again: Top 6 nutrients you need to include in your diet for better immunity Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
What do Harry Potter and razor blades have to do with the newest COVID-19 strain expected to become dominant in Ontario?
A new strain of COVID-19 is circulating in communities around the globe — including in Canada and Ontario. The new strain is a variation of the Omicron variant, formally named NB. 1.8.1, and was spotted in January. Experts suggest it will become the dominant strain in Ontario. The new COVID-19 strain has been nicknamed Nimbus — which is easier to remember, but for some is a nod to Harry Potter's broomstick. According to , University of Guelph professor Dr. T. Ryan Gregory was the first to share the nickname of the variant on X . Two new variants are competing for dominance: NB.1.8.1 and XFG. We recently nicknamed NB.1.8.1 "Nimbus", and it's pretty clear that XFG deserves a nickname as well. Keeping with the meteorological theme, XFG = "Stratus". Here's some more info about Nimbus and Stratus. 🧵 1/ Nimbus was used as a description, based on the meteorological term for a jagged type of storm cloud, said. And the jagged name fits, as this variant may leave you with a sore throat, which various sources have described as feeling like 'razor blades.' As quoted in a Toronto Star article , Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael's Hospital and former scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, explained while he's heard these claims, sore throats aren't new for people who get COVID-19 — adding there's likely no significance to the online reports. Other symptoms include typical COVID-19 symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, fever, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, headache and a loss of smell or taste. Difficulty breathing and diarrhea and vomiting can also be attributed to the strain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this is 'a variant under monitoring,' with increased circulation in western Pacific region, the Americas, and the European region. Twenty-two countries have reported the strain. Public Health Ontario reports that the risk of COVID-19 infections remains low — with 157 patients confirmed to have an infection for the week of June 1 to 7. But health officials are watching the Nimbus strain, with projections the transmission rate would start to increase, with 47 cases reported from April 20 to May 17 . Health experts predict a possible summer uptick in transmission and encourage people to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. 'Eligible individuals six months to 11 years old who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine by June 17, as the vaccine for this age group (Moderna) will be expiring,' the province said on its website . 'Vaccines for this age group will be available (again) in fall 2025.' The spring, COVID-19 vaccine season ends for eligible individuals 12 years and older on June 30, the province added. Many pharmacies have COVID-19 vaccines available, but you might want to call ahead to confirm. Check the province's portal at for more details. Health officials also suggest going back to mask‑wearing and hand hygiene practises to lower the risk of transmission. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
