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Key Points
- XBB 1.16, also known as the Arcturus variant, is the latest version of the Omicron variant and is now the dominant strain in India, found in over 30 countries including the United States. It has an additional mutation in its spike protein that increases its ability to transmit infections.
- The Arcturus variant is currently 9% of the total COVID cases in the US, found in over 20 states. While it's spreading faster than previous variants, symptoms have been mild with no increase in hospitalizations or ICU admissions.
- The bivalent vaccine released last year offers protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID variants, including previous Omicron subvariants. If you're up to date with your vaccines, including the bivalent booster, you do not need an additional shot.
- The CDC has yet to release a list of symptoms specific to the Arcturus variant, but anecdotal reports suggest an increase in conjunctivitis. The existing list of COVID symptoms should still be used as a guide.
- To protect against the new COVID wave, stay updated on COVID vaccines, take a COVID test if you begin to experience symptoms, and consult a licensed provider if you need to receive treatment.
XBB 1.16 is the latest version of the Omicron variant. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the dominant strain in India and has been found in over 30 countries, including the United States.
As Dr. Van Kerkhove, WHO epidemiologist, noted, XBB.1.16 replaced other existing variants in India. Because of this rapid spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Arcturus as a “variant of interest” on April 17th. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also tracking the variant across the United States.
According to the CDC data, XBB.1.16 is now 9% of the total COVID cases in the United States and is found in over 20 states. Sure, this is a small percentage of cases. But, as we know from the past, variants have the potential to mutate and cause widespread illness.
There is no need to panic; public health agencies continue to track the variant closely. Solv recommends staying informed so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
How different is XBB.1.16 from previous variants?
Arcturus or XBB.1.16 is a subvariant of Omicron. This subvariant seems closely related to XBB.1.15, the Omicron subvariant that dominated late last year and early 2023. However, WHO says that the new subvariant has an additional mutation in its spike protein that increases its ability to transmit infections.
However, the bivalent vaccine released last year offers protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID variants, including previous Omicron subvariants, including XBB.1.15 (CDC study).
What are the symptoms of XBB.1.16? Can it cause pink eye?
Since Arcturus is new to US soil and is only 9% of the total cases, the CDC has yet to release a list of symptoms. Although conjunctivitis, or ‘pink eye’ has been reported as a symptom of previous COVID variants, there are anecdotal reports of an increase in conjunctivitis with Arcturus. Typically the conjunctivitis is associated with other COVID symptoms as well, and does not present alone.
According to Dr. Rob Rohatsch, Chief Medical Officer at Solv, “Until and unless the list of COVID symptoms from the CDC is officially changed, continue to use the CDC’s list as a guide and consider taking a COVID test if you experience any such symptoms.”
The CDC lists the following COVID symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of COVID are similar to other infections, like the flu. If you feel sick or have COVID-like symptoms, Solv can help you find a COVID test and an urgent care center near you.
Should you worry about the new Omicron subvariant?
The Arcturus variant is spreading faster than previous ones and may evade our immunity — even if you have been sick with the XBB 1.15. However, there is no need to worry since symptoms have been mild, with no rise in hospitalizations or ICU admissions.
Remember, having COVID is often similar to having the flu—even if you do not have severe disease or get admitted to a hospital, fighting a fever and other symptoms is not pleasant. Also, you may have to take time off work and risk infecting your loved ones.
It may help to remember that XBB.1.16 is a part of the Omicron family, similar to previous versions. So, COVID tests can detect Arcturus, and existing COVID treatments work.
Do COVID vaccines protect against XBB.1.16? Should I get a booster?
Dr. Rohatsch says, “If you are up to date with your vaccines, including the bivalent booster released last Fall, you do not need an additional shot right now. If you are unvaccinated, the good news is that, now, all you need is the single, bivalent vaccine which covers the original strain together with Omicron variants. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a second booster shot for people who are above 65 or have compromised immunity.”
Solv can help you schedule your COVID vaccines or visit a licensed provider near you.
How can you protect your family against the new COVID wave?
- Stay updated on COVID vaccines, including the bivalent booster. The CDC recommends 1 updated booster for everyone aged 6 months and older. Ages 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals are eligible for a second bivalent booster shot. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for people who are pregnant and children.
- Take a COVID test if you begin to experience COVID-like symptoms.
- Talk to a licensed provider if you need to receive treatment for COVID.
Solv can help you book same-day appointments and urgent care visits with a provider near you.
Disclaimers
The content provided here and elsewhere on the Solv Health site or mobile app is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and Solv Health, Inc. does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always contact your healthcare provider directly with any questions you may have regarding your health or specific medical advice.
The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Solv Health and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Solv Health only to confirm educational value and reader interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with your healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is the XBB 1.16 variant and where has it been found?
XBB 1.16 is the latest version of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It is the dominant strain in India and has been found in over 30 countries, including the United States.How does XBB.1.16 differ from previous variants?
XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, is a subvariant of Omicron. It is closely related to the XBB.1.15 subvariant but has an additional mutation in its spike protein that increases its ability to transmit infections.What percentage of COVID cases in the United States is XBB.1.16?
As per CDC data, XBB.1.16 accounts for 9% of the total COVID cases in the United States.What are the symptoms of the XBB.1.16 variant?
The CDC has yet to release a specific list of symptoms for XBB.1.16. However, anecdotal reports suggest an increase in conjunctivitis, or 'pink eye', along with other typical COVID symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.How does the XBB.1.16 variant affect those who have been vaccinated?
The bivalent vaccine released last year offers protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID variants, including XBB.1.16. However, the variant may evade immunity even if you have been sick with the XBB 1.15 variant.Do I need to get a booster shot against XBB.1.16?
If you are up to date with your vaccines, including the bivalent booster released last Fall, you do not need an additional shot right now. However, the FDA recently approved a second booster shot for people who are above 65 or have compromised immunity.How can I protect my family against the new COVID wave?
Stay updated on COVID vaccines, including the bivalent booster. Take a COVID test if you begin to experience COVID-like symptoms and talk to a licensed provider if you need to receive treatment for COVID.Where can I get help if I feel sick or have COVID-like symptoms?
Solv can help you find a COVID test and an urgent care center near you. They can also help you schedule your COVID vaccines or visit a licensed provider near you.
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