Is our worst nightmare back?

The effects of the last strain still have impacts on our lives. The highs and lows faced during the previous phase of COVID-19 has made it clear that no one wants to go through that phase once again.
Looks like the new strain of coronavirus has started panic amongst everyone. The mask covered faces have started to reappear. But how and from where did this new progeny come from? The latest variant also known as XBB.1.5 or the “kraken variant” was observed in late 2022 in the United States, thanks to a rarely seen amino-acid change, called F486P, in the spike protein.

How harmful is XBB.1.5 and should you be worried?

XBB’s spike protein has a suite of mutations that boost the variant’s ability to evade antibodies. This has helped XBB to become common over the past few months, particularly in Asia, where it caused a surge in cases in Singapore.
Scientists say that this variant has exhibited signs of immunity escape. That means that it is powerful enough to evade natural immunity or the immunity gained through the COVID-19 vaccines. It may be a serious threat however the severity of the harm caused.
According to WHO XBB.1.5 is “the most transmissible sub-variant which has been detected yet”. Till now 29 countries have reported cases of the new variant. Out of which the U.S. alone has 28% of the rising cases. In other countries the cases have been rising at a medium pace but still need to be kept in check to avoid further widespread. Read more about XBB through this link  Covid XBB 1.5

So the best option for the ones terrified right now is to take care of personal level sanitation and avoid crowded areas. Report to the doctor in case of slightest symptoms of kraken virus. Keep a mask and sanitizer always handy until the cases are brought down and there’s less risk around you.