"Kraken". What do we know about the new subspecies of coronavirus
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
Scientists believe that he is one of the most contagious.
What is "Kraken"
Kraken, or XBB.1.5, is a new variant of the omicron coronavirus infection strain.
The XBB family appeared a few months ago and has attracted the attention of scientists because it contains mutations that avoid the formation of immunity more than other lines. omicron. The Kraken mutation allows the virus to better bind to cells, making it highly contagious.
Where is the Kraken distributed?
Most infections with XBB.1.5 variant registered in the US: in the last week of 2022, the Kraken accounted for 40% of all detected cases.
The option was also discovered in European countries: Denmark, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Portugal and Ireland.
But this does not mean that there will be as many of them as in the USA. Now the incidence rate is very low, so the number is unlikely to rise sharply in the coming month. In addition, at the height of the pandemic, the variants of the coronavirus in America and Europe differed from each other.
Press Service of Rospotrebnadzor reportedthat no cases of Kraken have yet been identified in the Russian Federation.
What are the symptoms of the "Kraken"
It is not yet known whether this variant of the coronavirus infection has any special features. So orient yourself for known symptoms:
- fever;
- chills;
- a sore throat;
- cough;
- dyspnea;
- runny nose;
- loss of smell and/or taste;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- aches in bones and muscles;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea.
It can be difficult to identify the causative agent of SARS by symptoms. Therefore, if you are afraid that you are sick with covid, it is better to hand it over test.
What is the danger of "Kraken"
Scientists do not yet know much about this variant of the virus, so it is difficult to say how dangerous the disease caused by it is. But this cold season and so passes difficult because of swine flu and SARS. If you add the "Kraken" to this, it becomes quite sad. So it’s better to check your vaccination certificate for relevance and remember about masks.
How to protect yourself and others from the Kraken
Since this variant of coronavirus infection is spreading faster than others, it is especially important observe precautionary measures:
- Get vaccinated against coronavirus: the frequency of revaccinations depends on the vaccine and the recommendations of the doctor.
- Keep a distance of at least one meter in public places.
- Wear a disposable mask that covers your mouth and nose in crowded areas.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap. If not possible, use alcohol-based antiseptic.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue. Throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands regularly.
- If you have symptoms of SARS or have tested positive for COVID‑19, self-isolate until you recover.
Read also🧐😷🤧
- How to understand that the immune system is really weak, and what to do with it
- How to protect yourself from the flu and what to do if you still get sick
- 5 Flu Treatment Mistakes That Can Kill You
- SARS treatment: everything that can and cannot help
- What are SARS and why are they dangerous?