Health officials in the United States are keeping an eye on a new COVID-19 variety, HV.1, which could eventually replace the current prevalent version, EG.5.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records suggest that HV.1 appeared in mid-summer, well before the cases began to rise significantly in September. The variant now accounts for roughly 20% of all COVID-19 cases in the country.
As the world enters winter, a season prone to a variety of respiratory viruses, it is critical to be aware of the new version and distinguish it from other types of flu.
Is the new COVID variant HV.1 a cause for concern?
The COVID-19 Omicron variety, which first appeared in the fall of 2021, has altered numerous times since its initial appearance in December 2021. This fall and winter, the new variety HV.1 could become the next dominant strain.
According to the CDC, the strain currently accounts for nearly one in every five infections in the United States. Its expansion has been rapid, and it already accounts for 0.5% of all cases, having nearly surpassed EG.5.
According to Amesh A. Adalja, MD, infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, experts are unconcerned about the variation.
He said, “It is important to recognize that there will always be new variants of SARS-CoV-2, just as there are with any other endemic respiratory virus, and most will not be of concern to anyone.”
While this new variety is highly transmissible, it is unlikely to be more dangerous than other variants currently in circulation.
HV.1 Symptoms
The symptoms of HV.1 are similar to those of COVID-19.
Chills or fever
Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
Fatigue
Ache in the muscles or throughout the body
Headache
Taste or odor loss
Throat discomfort
Runny nose or congestion
nauseousness or vomiting
Is the COVID-19 vaccination effective against HV.1?
According to experts, the improved COVID-19 vaccination should assist in providing protection against this strain. The new vaccination is based on XBB.1.5, and HV.1 is a “grandchild” of the XBB.15 variant. So the available vaccines may protect against the serious disease caused by HV.1.