New covid variant Arcturus makes its way to the U.S.

  • New covid variant Arcturus makes its way to the U.S.
    New covid variant Arcturus makes its way to the U.S.

Health experts are watching a new COVID subvariant known as omicron variant XBB.1.16. or “Arcturus”. Since the pandemic began more than three years ago, numerous variants have emerged as the virus has evolved. This month a new subvariant is catching the eyes of medical professionals across the globe. Although theU.S.numbersarelowand have not led to any high case numbers, medical officials are still preparing for the possibility.

The World Health Organization has considered the strain a “variant under monitoring” since March 22. Arcturus is responsible for a surge in case counts in parts of the world, including India where itchy or “sticky” eyes have been most often reported in children. Dr. Allison Arwady, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health said in an interview with NBC Chicago on April 17 that the current COVID boosters are still providing protection against the “Arcturus” variant.

The World Health Organization recommends taking all COVID-19 vaccine doses recommended to you by your health authority as soon as it is your turn, including a booster dose if recommended. According to the WHO, the current COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against serious illness and death caused by the Omicron andDeltavariantsthatcause COVID-19. The WHO recommends doing everything you can to keep yourself and others healthy by continuing to keep a safe distance from others and avoid crowds, wear a well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose, keep indoor spaces well ventilated, cleaning hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes.

The Covid Data Tracker on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website gives a daily update with maps,charts,anddataforthe United States for new cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and vaccinations. The CDC recommends use of the Covid-19 Community Levels to determine the impacts of COVID-19 on communities and to when to take action. The CDC also providesTransmission Levels (also known as CommunityTransmission)to describe the amount of COVID-19 spread within each county. Healthcare facilities use Transmission Levels to determine infection control interventions.

The CDC notes the difference between the Flu and COVID-19, “Influenza (FLU) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARSCoV-2, and the flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.” The website also goes on to say that you cannot tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptomsarethesame.Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.