Farxiga side effects: Common, rare, and serious
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 'Nimbus' Now Driving 37% Of Cases In US: Know These Symptoms
A highly transmissible new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1, aka "Nimbus," is spreading in the United States, just in time for peak travel season. The mutated omicron subvariant, which caused surges in China and other parts of Asia this spring, is now driving more than one-third of COVID cases in the U.S., data show.
NB.1.8.1 was first detected in the U.S. In late March through airport screening programs for international travelers. Since then, the fast-spreading new strain has been reported in more than a dozen U.S. States, and cases are expected to keep rising.
On May 23, the World Health Organization classified NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" due to its rapid global spread and spike protein mutations, which may affect its transmissibility.
The name "Nimbus" was coined in late May on "X," by T. Ryan Gregory, a Canadian evolutionary biologist who is behind other popular COVID variant nicknames, including the "FLiRT" strains.
Although NB.1.8.1 is causing a growing proportion of cases in the U.S., COVID trends remain relatively stable. As of June 7, test positivity is at 3%, up just 0.2% from the previous week, but COVID hospitalizations are decreasing, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of June 6, the level of COVID viral activity in wastewater is "low" nationally, CDC data show.
However, this is expected to change in the coming months, experts say. The U.S. Has seen COVID-19 cases spike in the summer every year since 2020. The emergence of a mutated new variant, Nimbus, has raised concerns about a possible surge.
Nimbus Now the 2nd-Most Common Variant in USDuring the two-week period ending June 7, NB.1.8.1 accounted for an estimated 37% of cases in the U.S., up from 15% during the two-week period prior, per the latest data from the CDC. The dominant variant, LP.8.1, is driving 38% of cases.
The agency noted on its website that precision in its reporting is "low" due to a lack of sequencing data, which scientists use to track emerging variants.
In its latest update, the CDC did not publish data on the regional spread of NB.1.8.1, but sequences shared with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database show that Nimbus has been detected in at least 14 states.
As of June 13, NB.1.8.1 has been reported in:
As of May 18, NB.1.8.1 has been reported in at least 22 countries and accounts for 10.7% of COVID cases globally, the WHO said.
Public health experts predict that cases driven by NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. Will likely increase, based on global trends, TODAY.Com previously reported.
Is the New COVID Variant More Transmissible?The virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, mutates constantly, giving rise to new variants with genetic changes that may allow the virus to spread more easily or evade existing immunity.
Historically, all descendants of the original Omicron variant have been highly contagious.
NB.1.8.1, derived from the recombinant omicron variant XDV.1.5.1, has several mutations in its spike protein which may affect its transmissibility and ability to escape COVID antibodies from infection or vaccination.
A study published in May, which has not been peer-reviewed, noted that NB.1.8.1's mutations may allow it to bind better to human cells, which could make it more transmissible and give it the "potential for future dominance" over other variants.
Given its mutations and rapid spread, it's likely that NB.1.8.1 is more transmissible, but it's too soon to tell how it compares to other strains circulating, experts say.
However, there's no evidence that Nimbus causes more severe infection severe illness than other variants, and the global risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is considered "low," the WHO said.
Will Nimbus COVID Cases Keep Rising?It's unclear whether NB.1.8.1 will outcompete the dominant variants or drive a summer surge stateside, experts say.
"It's hard to predict whether this variant or another will take off and cause a wave ... But its likely that it won't be as severe as what we experienced before 2023," Dr. Albert Ko, professor of public health, epidemiology and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, tells TODAY.Com.
Population immunity is high in the U.S. — an estimated 90% of Americans have been exposed to COVID-19, either through infection or vaccination. However, immunity wanes over time.
"The longer we get from the last surge or the last vaccination campaign, the more people are susceptible," Andy Pekosz, Ph.D., professor of molecular microbiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, previously told TODAY.Com.
Coupled with mutated variants like NB.1.8.1 with immune-evasive capabilities, summer travel and increased social gatherings, this can allow the virus to spread rapidly.
COVID-19 can surge throughout the year, per the CDC. In the U.S., cases tend to peak twice: once in the winter and again during the summer between June and August. However, the timing and intensity of summer COVID-19 surges can vary.
Based on previous trends, experts predict there will be an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the coming months, but it's still too early to tell how this summer will pan out. "We may see an upswing (this) summer as in previous years, and this is expected to be smaller compared to what we experience in the winter," says Ko.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Nimbus SymptomsSo far, the symptoms of Nimbus seem to be similar to those caused by recent omicron strains, which include:
Anyone can get sick with COVID-19, but some people are at higher risk of developing severe illness, including people over the age of 65 and people who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions, per the CDC.
Should You Get the COVID Vaccine?The COVID vaccine helps protect people from severe illness, hospitalization and death. Amid recent changes to vaccination guidelines, you may be wondering if you can get another shot.
The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are still available and recommended for most adults ages 18 and older, the CDC says.
"Those in high-risk groups should consider getting the vaccine now if they haven't been vaccinated in the last six months and consider receiving an updated vaccine for the upcoming winter season," says Ko.
According to the WHO, currently approved COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant.
The 2025-2026 COVID vaccines, which will target the LP.8.1 variant, will be released this fall. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Recently announced new guidelines that may make it harder for some people to get the new shot.
The 2025-2026 vaccines will be limited to adults 65 and older and people ages 12-64 with at least one underlying condition. The CDC no longer recommends routine COVID vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, though many obstetricians and pediatricians disagree with this change.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your doctor.
You can protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by testing when you have symptoms, isolating while sick, wearing a mask indoors, and practicing social distancing.
The government no longer mails out free at-home COVID-19 testing kits, but there are still ways to get free or low-cost tests.
Signs Of Allergic Bronchitis That Need Immediate Attention
Understanding the connection between allergies and respiratory inflammation provides crucial protection for vulnerable lungs
When common allergies progress beyond typical symptoms, they can develop into more serious respiratory conditions requiring medical intervention. Allergic bronchitis represents a concerning progression where allergen exposure leads to inflammation of the bronchial tubes carrying air to the lungs. This condition affects millions of Americans annually, with increasing prevalence in areas with higher air pollution levels and during peak allergy seasons.
The immune system response behind allergic bronchitisAllergic bronchitis develops when the immune system misidentifies harmless substances as threats. This triggers an inflammatory cascade affecting the respiratory system, particularly the bronchial tubes connecting the trachea to the lungs.
Unlike common allergies that primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, allergic bronchitis inflammation reaches deeper into the breathing passages. The bronchial tubes swell and produce excess mucus in response to allergen exposure, narrowing airways and making breathing difficult. Without proper management, this inflammation can become chronic, persisting for months or years.
Recent medical research indicates that approximately 25% of people with seasonal allergies may develop some degree of bronchial inflammation during peak exposure periods. This risk increases significantly in individuals with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.
7 critical symptoms requiring medical attentionThe first warning sign involves persistent wet coughing that produces mucus. Unlike dry coughs associated with common colds, allergic bronchitis coughs typically bring up clear or whitish phlegm. This productive cough often worsens at night or early morning and may continue for weeks without improvement.
Second, wheezing sounds during breathing indicate narrowed airways. This high-pitched whistling noise occurs particularly during exhalation and often intensifies with physical activity or exposure to cold air. Wheezing represents a significant warning sign that bronchial inflammation has progressed beyond mild irritation.
The third symptom manifests as chest tightness or pressure. Patients frequently describe this sensation as feeling like a band constricting around their chest. This discomfort may fluctuate throughout the day but typically worsens following allergen exposure or during respiratory infections.
Fourth, shortness of breath during routine activities signals reduced lung function. When climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or performing other everyday tasks becomes increasingly difficult, the condition may have progressed significantly. This symptom warrants immediate medical evaluation, particularly when it develops suddenly.
Fifth, persistent fatigue affects many allergic bronchitis sufferers. The combination of poor sleep quality due to nighttime symptoms and increased energy expenditure from labored breathing leads to significant exhaustion. This fatigue can impact work performance, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
The sixth symptom involves recurring respiratory infections. Inflamed bronchial passages become more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections, leading to frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia. Patients may notice that common colds consistently develop into more serious chest infections requiring antibiotics.
Finally, the seventh warning sign includes concurrent classic allergy symptoms. Most allergic bronchitis patients simultaneously experience itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, frequent sneezing, and occasionally skin rashes. These symptoms often precede or accompany the respiratory manifestations.
Common triggers and environmental influencesSeveral environmental factors can initiate or worsen allergic bronchitis symptoms. Tobacco smoke tops the list of irritants, with both firsthand and secondhand exposure significantly increasing inflammation in sensitive airways. Research shows that smokers experience more severe and prolonged bronchitis episodes than non-smokers.
Air pollution represents another major trigger, particularly in urban environments. Particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide can all penetrate and irritate the respiratory system. During high pollution days, emergency room visits for respiratory conditions increase by approximately 20% in major metropolitan areas.
Indoor allergens prove particularly problematic since exposure tends to be continuous. Dust mites, pet dander, cockroach particles, and mold spores accumulate in homes, creating persistent allergen exposure. Controlling these triggers requires comprehensive environmental modifications.
Occupational exposures contribute to many cases of allergic bronchitis. Workers in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and chemical industries face higher risks from exposure to industrial dusts, fumes, and chemicals. Proper respiratory protection and workplace controls can significantly reduce these risks.
Seasonal pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds triggers symptoms in millions of Americans. Climate change has extended pollen seasons in many regions, with some areas experiencing increases of up to 20 days in annual pollen duration over the past decade.
Effective treatment approaches for lasting reliefTreatment strategies depend on symptom severity and underlying causes. For mild cases, over-the-counter remedies can provide temporary relief. These include throat lozenges containing local anesthetics, honey-based herbal teas with anti-inflammatory properties, and expectorant cough medicines that thin mucus.
Prescription medications offer more targeted relief for moderate to severe symptoms. Bronchodilators open constricted airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles, improving airflow immediately. These medications come in short-acting forms for quick symptom relief and long-acting versions for ongoing management.
Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids reduce bronchial swelling and mucus production when used consistently. Inhaled formulations deliver medication directly to affected airways while minimizing systemic absorption. For severe flares, oral steroids may be prescribed for short courses to quickly reduce inflammation.
Mucolytics help break down thick mucus, making it easier to clear from airways. These medications reduce the viscosity of bronchial secretions, improving cough effectiveness and reducing the sensation of chest congestion.
Allergen immunotherapy represents a long-term solution for many patients. This treatment gradually desensitizes the immune system through controlled allergen exposure, reducing or eliminating the inflammatory response over time. Success rates exceed 85% for many common allergens when patients complete the full treatment course.
Prevention strategies for protecting vulnerable airwaysPreventing allergic bronchitis requires a multifaceted approach focusing on allergen avoidance and respiratory health. Identifying specific triggers through allergy testing allows for targeted environmental modifications. Blood tests and skin prick testing can identify specific allergens causing reactions.
Improving indoor air quality significantly reduces symptom frequency. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 micrometers or larger. Regularly replacing furnace filters, controlling humidity levels, and removing carpet can further reduce indoor allergen load.
Smoking cessation provides immediate and long-term benefits for respiratory health. Within one week of quitting, bronchial sensitivity begins decreasing, with continued improvement over several months. Avoiding secondhand smoke environments proves equally important for preventing symptom flares.
Regular exercise strengthens respiratory muscles and improves lung capacity when performed appropriately. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and cycling benefit respiratory health without triggering symptoms. Starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity minimizes risk of exercise-induced symptoms.
Maintaining current vaccinations prevents infections that can worsen bronchial inflammation. Annual influenza vaccines and pneumonia vaccinations reduce the risk of respiratory infections that often trigger severe bronchitis flares in vulnerable individuals.
When to seek immediate medical helpCertain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Severe breathing difficulty or inability to speak in complete sentences indicates potentially dangerous airway narrowing requiring emergency care. Bluish discoloration of lips or fingernails signals dangerously low oxygen levels demanding immediate treatment.
Chest pain accompanying respiratory symptoms warrants thorough evaluation to rule out cardiac causes. While bronchitis itself can cause chest discomfort, distinguishing between respiratory and cardiac pain requires professional assessment.
Fevers exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit may indicate infection complicating allergic inflammation. When combined with respiratory symptoms, fever suggests possible pneumonia requiring antibiotic treatment and close monitoring.
Coughing producing green or yellow mucus indicates bacterial infection requiring medical evaluation. This discolored sputum represents inflammatory cells and bacteria, distinguishing it from the clear or white mucus typically seen in allergic bronchitis alone.
With proper management, most allergic bronchitis patients achieve good symptom control and prevent progression to chronic conditions. Early recognition of warning signs, prompt treatment, and consistent preventive measures protect respiratory health and maintain quality of life despite allergic tendencies. Working closely with healthcare providers allows for personalized treatment approaches addressing individual triggers and symptoms most effectively.
Comments
Post a Comment