Alarm bells have gone off about the new Covid variants circulating around the world.
Express. co. uk asked a professor how concerned we are about those strains, known as HV. 1 and JN. 1.
HV. 1 is a spinoff of Omicron that has the most dominant strain in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr Chris Papadopoulos, senior lecturer in public fitness at the University of Bedfordshire, explained that HV. 1 appears to be “more transmissible” but has demonstrated its ability to evade vaccine coverage or cause more severe disease.
The other new variant, JN. 1, was recently discovered in the United Kingdom, the United States, Iceland, Portugal and Spain.
READ MORE: New Covid variants HV. 1 and JN. 1 now circulating in the U. S. U. S. & U. K.
The strain is a descendant of the Pirola variant and has been described as more immunoevasive than its “parents. “
While CDC officials have explained that they are still “learning about” JN. 1, it appears to bring mutations that may aid in its detection through the immune system, according to Dr. Papadopoulos.
The public fitness expert said: “The emergence of the HV. 1 and JN. 1 variants, which can be considered ‘granddaughters’ of the Omicron variant, is a reminder of the evolving nature of Covid and our desire to remain vigilant. .
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“Symptoms appear to have passed from variants, and while vigilance is essential, knowledge is not cause for alarm. “
However, the professor noted that the JN. 1 variant has experienced an immediate rate of expansion in countries such as Iceland, where it accounts for a significant number of infections. “This is a cause for specific fear and needs to be monitored very closely,” he added. .
The good news is that existing protective measures, such as vaccines, are still fighting the consequences.
Dr Papadopoulos added: “The effectiveness of existing public health measures, vaccines and antivirals has been very effective in containing the risk of these variants.
“The fact that we are seeing a corresponding increase in hospitalizations or the severity of cases is reassuring and indicates that our existing methods can adapt to those changes.
“It’s about staying informed and proactive, to make the most of the benefits of vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations. “