XBB VARIANT

Information regarding the XBB variant

XBB is a recombinant of two Omicron sub-variants, BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75. Several studies have shown that XBB is more immune evasive-that is, it has the ability to circumvent immunity from vaccination-induced infection-and has a growth advantage over other currently circulating variants of Omicron. What this essentially means is that the variant is more likely to cause re-in-fection or breakthrough infections in people.

Does the XBB variant affect the lungs?

That is not true. Unlike Delta, which went deep into the lungs and led to a fall in oxygen saturation, Omicron variants affect the upper respiratory tract- the nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, and throat. The virus can go into the lungs in some cases, but it is not the location of choice for the variant.

In most people, the XBB variant is likely to lead to a fever, cough, and cold. XBB accounted for 8% of all the cases in September, increasing to 45.2% in October, and 65.6% in November it is now the dominant variant in India.