NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant Spreads from Asia to U.S.

There’s a new COVID variant in the U.S. that’s beginning to raise eyebrows: the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant. 

First identified in parts of Asia earlier this year, it has quietly made its way across several states. While it’s not dominating the headlines, this variant has caught the attention of public health experts and is showing signs of spreading further. 

So, what do we know so far, and should we be concerned? We’ll try to break it all down in a no-stress kind of way.

Health Officials Track Spread of New COVID Strain in U.S.

The COVID variant spread in Asia started making waves with a notable rise in cases, particularly in China. Though it hasn’t overtaken other variants globally, its presence is growing. In fact, the World Health Organization now includes NB.1.8.1 on its list of SARS-CoV-2 variants under monitoring.

Now, we’re seeing it show up in the U.S., including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The CDC isn’t yet tracking it on its main dashboard due to low reported sequences, but it seems the NB.1.8.1 transmission is certainly happening.

NB.1.8.1 Symptoms: What They Feel Like

The good news is that NB.1.8.1 symptoms don’t appear to be any more severe than those caused by earlier variants. Most cases mirror what we’ve seen with other Omicron strains: sore throat, fatigue, congestion, and sometimes a fever or cough.

However, doctors believe this variant may spread more easily. Early findings suggest it binds more efficiently to human cells, meaning you could get infected quicker than with previous versions. So, while you might not feel sicker, you could catch it more easily.

Can the Current Vaccines Help?

If you’re wondering whether the current vaccines can still protect you, we’re being told the answer is yes, for now. The shots remain effective at preventing severe illness, which is great news. 

That said, evolving vaccine recommendations and access issues could make things trickier in the future, especially for certain groups.

Keeping an Eye on the New COVID Variant in the US

Even though the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant isn’t causing a wave of hospitalizations in the U.S. at this time, public health officials are staying alert. In Asia, the variant was linked to a rise in ER visits, which raises concerns about what could happen here if the numbers climb.

And, while this isn’t a cause for panic, it’s a good reminder to stay informed, especially as summer travel and gatherings pick up. Be sure to keep washing your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and consider masking up in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you’re in one of the affected states.

The NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant

It seems that the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant is something to watch, but not something to fear right now. It’s a new COVID variant in the US, but it’s not causing any more alarm than we’ve seen before. Still, its ability to spread quickly means it’s worth paying attention to.

Together, let’s stay safe, stay curious, and keep an eye out for reliable CDC COVID variant updates, especially as we learn more about how NB.1.8.1 might evolve in the months ahead.