Regarding Symptoms and Transmission of the Kraken Virus (XBB 1.5) | Good Doctor

One of the so-called Omicron subvariants will cause a new wave in COVID-19 cases worldwide because it is highly contagious, what exactly is the Kraken virus (XBB 1.5)? Then what kind of symptoms will sufferers experience and will vaccines work against them? Here’s a complete explanation.

Get to know the Kraken Virus (XBB 1.5)

As we all know, previously there was the COVID-19 virus that hit Singapore last fall, with the Omicron subvariant or called XBB. Then the new virus that appears at this time is a derivative of this strain and is referred to as XBB 1.5.

So, XBB and Kraken virus (XBB 1.5) are indeed recombinant or hybrid subvariants, which means they consist of two strains, namely two branches of the Omicron BA.2 sublineage, with the F486P mutation in a protein that increases infectivity. It also increases the binding affinity for the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, according to MedicalScience Monitors.

Then, according to the explanation from the page Yale Medicinethe COVID-19 virus subvariant XBB.1.5 was first identified in the United States, namely in the city of New York in October 2022. Even in January 2023, the Kraken virus subvariant (XBB 1.5) caused 49.1 percent of COVID-19 cases in the US .

What about the Arcturus Subvariant (XBB 1.16)?

Recently, a new case was also found with a different subvariant, namely Arcturus or XBB 1.16. According to the explanation UNMCsubvariant BB.1.16 is a recombinant of two strains stealth Omicron BA. 2. It is even known through preprint studies from scientists at the University of Tokyo that this new subvariant spreads around 1.17 to 1.27 times faster than XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 or even Kraken.

Then, the symptoms of the Arcturus variant itself are not much different from the others. Some children infected with the Arcturus variant of COVID-19 experience symptoms such as high fever, cough, conjunctivitis (itchy or red eyes without pus, but feeling sticky).

The case is in Indonesia, according to data from Ministry of Healthit is known that there have been seven cases of COVID-19 Arcturus or XBB 1.16 in Indonesia.

What Are the Symptoms of Kraken Virus (XBB 1.5)?

So far, nothing has actually shown that the symptoms of the Kraken virus (XBB 1.5) are different from other types of Corona viruses. However, according to an explanation from the page ScienceFocus There are several main symptoms, such as:

• High body temperature.
• Cough that occurs continuously.
• There is a change in the condition of the sense of smell or taste. Usually, people infected with the COVID-19 virus cannot smell or feel anything.
• Experiencing shortness of breath.
• Experiencing fatigue.
• The whole body aches.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.

How Transmitted is the Kraken Variant COVID-10 Virus?

It has been mentioned above that this Kraken variant is indeed highly contagious. Data European Center for Disease Prevention and Controlsaid it was 12 percent faster in transmission when compared to other types of Corona viruses in the US.

Additionally, in the last week of 2022, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that XBB.1.5 could be the most dominant type of Corona virus in the UK. Of course, this proves that the transmission of the Kraken virus (XBB 1.5) is indeed very fast.

Also read: New Subvariant Appears in Singapore, What Are the Symptoms of Omicron XBB?

Can the Kraken Variant Cause More Severe Illness?

So far, there is no evidence that XBB.1.5 can cause more severe disease, compared to previous variants of the Corona virus. Besides that, World Health Organization (WHO) also said that XBB.1.5 did not carry any mutations that could increase the potential for more severe disease.

Andrew Pollard, Asall professor of infection and immunity at the University of Oxford, who leads AstraZeneca’s Oxford vaccine development team, told The BMJ that care must be taken not to create fear of any new variant of COVID-19. Even today there is no reason to think that XBB. 1.5 is more dangerous than other variants.

Does Current COVID-19 Vaccine Protect against Kraken Infection (XBB 1.5)?

There is currently no vaccine that is effective specifically for XBB 1.5, but the WHO has warned that it may be able to help boost the immune system. Not yet clear whether the vaccine boosters XBB specific is required, but experts suggest qualifying for the vaccine whenever possible.

That is an explanation of the Kraken and Arcturus (XBB 1.16) viruses whose cases have been found in Indonesia

Also read: Free, Here’s How to Register for Booster 2 Vaccines You Must Know!

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