XBB.1.16, the most contagious coronavirus to date?
XBB.1.16, which was first discovered on January 23, 2023, and listed as "Monitored Variants (VUMs)" by the WHO just two months later on March 22, 2023, can be said to have attracted the attention of the world.
This is not only because it has the title of the most contagious new coronavirus to date, and its effective reproduction coefficient (Re) has increased by 27% compared to its parent XBB.1 and 17% over the former "poison king" XBB.1.5.
Some media reported that XBB.1.16 was more than twice as contagious as other XBB strains, which is impossible.
The reason is very simple, the new crown virus evolved to Omicron BA.5, contagiousness seems to have touched the ceiling of infectious diseases, some people think that its R0 has matched or even surpassed the measles virus, the highest opening of more than 20 "sky-high price".
Since then, the BQ.1 and XBB series seem to have further increased in contagiousness.
In the XBB series, the infectivity and infectivity of XBB.1.5 seem to have gone one step further and reached the pinnacle.
Now, XBB.1.16 is more than 1 times more contagious than XBB.1.5?
What is this concept? How is this possible.
It also has a new symptom that is different from other new coronaviruses that are not common - "pink eye".
XBB.1.16, Children infected with the disease are prone to "pink eye"?
Since it has only been a little over 2 months since its appearance, no published research results on the symptoms of XBB.1.16 infection are available so far, and the relevant information is basically a sentimental exchange of information from experts in India and the United States with a high number of cases of XBB.1.16 infection.
Combining this information, two of the clinical features of XBB.1.16 are particularly striking: susceptibility to infection, and infected children are more likely to develop high fever and conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye".
Of course, the most common symptoms are not much different from other new crown strains, and they are still dominated by symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections such as sore throat and cough.
Overall, significant symptoms of XBB.1.16 infection in children include high fever, cough, hoarse throat, conjunctivitis or "pink eye" with red and itchy eyes, and runny or stuffy nose.
Among them, "pink eye" manifestations of itchy, red eyes, and thick discharge are the most striking symptoms of XBB.1.16 children infected.
Combined with sore throat and hoarseness, XBB.1.16 has the style of adenovirus in children's style - "rotten eyes" and "rotten throat".
However, this doesn't seem to be a particular concern.
These pink eye symptoms usually disappear within a few days to 1 week; Since there is currently no topical drug for the new coronavirus, for this pink eye, only symptomatic treatment is required, and there are signs of substantial damage to the eye.
XBB.1.16 Symptoms of elderly infected people
The main symptoms of infection with XBB.1.16 in the elderly include fever around 38°C, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and poor mental status.
Treatment is no different from infection with other coronaviruses.
It is important to note that the elderly, especially those with serious underlying diseases, need to strengthen monitoring including hypoxia, pulse and respiration after infection, in order to detect the possibility of developing severe disease as soon as possible.
XBB.1.16 Symptoms of infected adults in adults
Adults infected with XBB.1.16 do not seem to have any special symptoms, mainly including fever, sore throat, runny nose, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea, fatigue and muscle pain, headache and body aches.
Therefore, there is no and no special treatment for adults infected with XBB.1.16.
Regulating handwashing, more than preventing XBB.1.16, seems particularly important
For the prevention of XBB.1.16 infection, it seems that it is no different from other covid viruses, it is only necessary to follow the general prevention recommendations.
However, it should be pointed out that because people infected with XBB.1.16, especially children are prone to pink eye symptoms after infection, and the itching, tearing and pain of pink eye are spared, prompting people to rub their eyes.
Although it is unclear whether the eyes are the main route of transmission of XBB.1.16, special attention should be paid to hand hygiene, including hand washing and hand disinfection, and to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth more strictly.