New Covid-19 Variant: Know how prevalent it is, where it is concentrated, its symptoms, how to protect from BA.2.86

A new variant of COVID-19, BA.2.86 is feared to hit the people during the holidays of Christmas and New Year. It is not a completely new variant as it first appeared in August. But the doctors and pandemic experts are worried about the pace at which it is spreading. It made up 3% of new COVID-19 cases recently. Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that BA.2.86 comprises 9% of new cases, although the actual number can range anywhere from 5% to 15%.

WHO: Low-risk variant

The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) found that the public health risk posed by this variant is low because the variant doesn’t seem to be increasing infections or hospitalizations. Experts have said that BA.2.86 seems to be most concentrated in the Northeast of the United States, which includes New Jersey and New York. This area has recorded 13% of BA.2.86 cases, the highest concentration of the variant reported so far.

Symptoms

The CDC has said that no exclusive symptoms of BA.2.86 variant have been identified. The "symptoms of COVID-19 tend to be similar across variants." These symptoms include:


Runny or stuffy nose

Headache

Fatigue

Sneezing

Sore throat

Coughing

Changes to sense of smell

How to protect from BA.2.86

Covid experts have said that wearing a quality mask remains one of the most effective ways to curb the spread of COVID-19, as well as other airborne viruses. It has been found that N95 masks block 95% of airborne particulates, including the ones responsible for COVID-19.

HEPA filters

The CDC has said that HEPA filters are an effective way to remove said particles. The best purifier we’ve tested, the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max, has a quality HEPA filter.

Hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers must be used as coronavirus can spread by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface contaminated with COVID-19 particles. The health authorities have recommended regularly using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when in public.

Health experts have warned that instead of sanitizing hands using hand sanitizer, one can instead opt to clean the surface itself using disinfectant wipes. It is better to wipe down surfaces that are touched often like television remotes or light switches.

FAQs:

How much prevalent is the new variant of COVID-19, BA.2.86?
The new variant of COVID-19, BA.2.86 has made up 3% of new COVID-19 cases recently. Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that BA.2.86 comprises 9% of new cases, although the actual number can range anywhere from 5% to 15%.

In which part of the US, the new variant of COVID-19 virus BA.2.86 is most prevalent?
Experts have said that BA.2.86 seems to be most concentrated in the Northeast of the United States, which includes New Jersey and New York. This area has recorded 13% of BA.2.86 cases, the highest concentration of the variant reported so far.