New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Rapidly In Australia, Experts Urge Vaccination And How To Stay Safe

A new COVID-19 variant named NB.1.8.1 has been detected in several states across Australia. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently monitoring the situation closely, as this variant appears to be spreading faster than previous strains. Experts are urging the public to get booster doses and strictly follow precautionary measures such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and staying home when feeling unwell. Common symptoms include fatigue and throat irritation.

This rapidly spreading subvariant is part of the Omicron lineage and has been reported in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland. The NB.1.8.1 variant is now under WHO surveillance due to its increased transmissibility and concerning ability to infect or reinfect even vaccinated individuals.

NB.1.8.1 The Fearless COVID-19 Variant

In Australia, genome surveillance has noticed that the NB.1.8.1 variant has surpassed 40% of cases in Victoria and is currently a dominant variant according to the sampling going on in Perth.

Research suggests that the NB.1.8.1 variant is more infectious than other strains, and the rate of spread is also higher. It also has an enhanced ability to infect individuals, even by destroying the antibodies gained through vaccination.

NB.1.8.1 variant is causing more severe illness than previous strains, increasing the chance of hospitalisation in the vulnerable population.

How To Get Vaccinated

If you are not yet vaccinated against the deadly COVID-19 virus, make sure to follow these easy steps:

1. Firstly, check the eligibility on your state health website (e.g., Services Australia, WA Health).
2. Then, book an appointment through a local pharmacy or a nearby vaccination department. It’s free for eligible Australians.
3. A booster dose is important; 6% of Australians have received a booster in the past six Months.
4. Health authorities are focusing on taking precautions, and vaccination is helpful for protection from COVID-19.

Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 Variant

As NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron strain. It presents symptoms similar to it. But it may vary in intensity. Here are some of the common signs to be aware of:

1. Sore throat and irritation
2. Fatigue and Tiredness even without physical activity
3. Fever or Chills
4. Mild cough can be dry or watery
5. Muscles and Body Aches
6. Nasal Congestion and a runny nose with sneezing
7. Loss of taste and smell in severe cases
8. Abdominal discomfort
9. Nausea or Diarrhoea

As the NB.1.8.1 variant spreads rapidly across multiple states in Australia, it serves as a stark reminder that COVID-19 is far from over.

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