\n Health experts have warned that cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise around the world.\n<\/p>\n
\n Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the\u00a0XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, reports of the new variant are “growing rapidly”, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and it is showing some signs of “additional immune evasion” compared to others.\n<\/p>\n
\n The WHO\u00a0has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 “under monitoring” due to the\u00a0rise in cases worldwide.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored.\n<\/p>\n
\n\n The new \u2018Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance\u2019 sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19<\/a>, MERS, and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/c0iegiwKcO<\/a>\n <\/p>\n
\u2014 World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was “low,” and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be\u00a0effective against it.\n<\/p>\n
\n The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation<\/a>, said: “Despite a concurrent increase in\u00a0cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that\u00a0this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.\n<\/p>\n
\n The WHO added: “The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks\u00a0relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Where has Covid\u00a0NB.1.8.1 been detected?
\n<\/h2>\n\n COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries.\n<\/p>\n
\n These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n
\n\n The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed for..what is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the ‘preludes’…watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1.\n <\/p>\n
\u2014 Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n COVID NB.1.8.1 in the UK
\n<\/h2>\n\n Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and “popular British tourist hotspots”, the news outlet added.\n<\/p>\n
\n What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
\n<\/h2>\n\n Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid NB.1.8.1.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, common symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, according to the NHS<\/a>, include:\n<\/p>\n
\n
- High temperature or shivering (chills)\n <\/li>\n
- New, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three\u00a0or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)\n <\/li>\n
- Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste\n <\/li>\n
- Shortness of breath\n <\/li>\n
- Feeling tired or exhausted\n <\/li>\n
- Aching body\n <\/li>\n
- Headache\n <\/li>\n
- Sore throat\n <\/li>\n
- Blocked or runny nose\n <\/li>\n
- Loss of appetite\n <\/li>\n
- Diarrhoea\n <\/li>\n
- Feeling sick or being sick\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19
\n<\/h2>\n
\n\n How to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants
\n<\/h2>\n\n COVID-19 vaccines are available in the UK, and are usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter.\n<\/p>\n
\n The vaccine is available for\u00a0those:\n<\/p>\n
\n
- Aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June, 2025)\n <\/li>\n
- Aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment\n <\/li>\n
- Live in a care home for older adults\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n RECOMMENDED READING:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n
\n
- \n The common disease medical experts believe will cause the next global pandemic<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n Am I eligible for free prescriptions? Yes, if you have 1 of these 11 conditions<\/a>\n <\/li>\n
- \n The 6 beers that are good for your health (and the ones to avoid)<\/a>\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n The NHS said: “The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection if you’re eligible.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The vaccine helps:\n<\/p>\n
\n
- Reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms\n <\/li>\n
- Recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19\n <\/li>\n
- Reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19\n <\/li>\n
- Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by attending a\u00a0walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n