A new COVID variant called NB.1.8.1 has arrived in the United States. It was first identified in China back in January and now makes up about 10% of the tested SARS-CoV-2 sequences globally, a notable increase from just 2.5% a month ago.
A spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that they are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with international partners. So far, only 20 cases of NB.1.8.1 have been recorded in the U.S., which isn’t yet enough for the variant to show up on the CDC’s dashboard. However, it will be listed there once its prevalence rises.
It’s concerning to come across news of another variant, but experts say that NB.1.8.1 doesn’t seem to cause different symptoms compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
“Right now, it looks like NB.1.8.1 will have symptoms similar to those of other recent COVID variants,” noted Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist.
Here’s what you should know about this emerging variant.
NB.1.8.1 may be more contagious due to its mutations.
Compared to the dominant variant currently seen in the U.S. (LP.8.1), NB.1.8.1 has several new mutations on its spike protein. These changes could enhance its ability to attach to human cells, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO expresses concerns that these mutations could lead to increased transmissibility. There’s a chance they may also lessen the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies that prevent viruses from attaching to our cells, meaning this variant might evade some immune protections, based on ongoing research.
Signs and symptoms linked to NB.1.8.1.
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an expert in infectious diseases, the symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 align closely with those from other SARS-CoV-2 variants. Typical symptoms include a mild but lingering dry cough, nasal congestion, and feelings of fatigue.
Dr. Hoy emphasized that while many people can function during the day, they often require more rest. Common additional symptoms involve fever, chills, sore throat, and muscle aches. Some individuals have said that recent variants yield milder symptoms than winter flu viruses, but both can lead to serious complications.
Importantly, there is currently no proof that the variant results in more severe illnesses or increases in hospitalizations or fatalities. The main concern at this moment is its rising prevalence.
Potential vaccine effectiveness against NB.1.8.1.
It’s still early for definitive conclusions on how effective vaccines will be against this new variant, mainly because research is quite limited. However, there’s a general expectation that they should continue to be effective, especially since NB.1.8.1 is related to the Omicron JN.1 lineage.
“Vaccines seem to maintain their ability to prevent severe illness, though their effectiveness against infection might be limited and temporary,” Dr. Adalja noted.
Those vulnerable to severe disease—like older adults or those with underlying health conditions—would be wise to keep their vaccinations up to date. Dr. Hoy added that healthcare workers and individuals with higher exposure may particularly benefit from being vaccinated.
If you have a risk factor, getting vaccinated after six months since your last shot or COVID infection might be good advice. Meanwhile, low-risk individuals might not need another booster right now.
When to treat NB.1.8.1 at home versus seeking medical help.
Most individuals should be able to recover at home, focusing on rest and hydration. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can alleviate discomfort such as muscle aches and fever. Generally, symptoms could last for about a week.
For those at higher risk for severe disease, especially older adults or those with weakened immune systems, it may be beneficial to contact a physician for antivirals, which are most effective when taken within five days of symptom onset.
If you experience chest pain, difficulty waking, or confusion, it’s crucial to seek urgent care. Additionally, difficulty breathing is a key symptom to watch for; Dr. Hoy cautions that worsening breathing issues warrant immediate evaluation, whether at a doctor’s office, urgent care, or an emergency room.
