The World Health Organization is warning that a new omicron subvariant known as XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible strain to date. In the past few years, the post-holiday rise in COVID numbers was typically attributed to large gatherings and the colder weather bringing people indoors. Experts said it remains to be seen how much XBB.1.5 may be contributing to the most recent rise in hospitalizations. Scientists still do not know if the subvariant causes more severe illness or leads to more adverse outcomes like long COVID. “The problem is that was all before XBB.1.5.”Older adults, immunocompromised people and those with certain medical conditions are still most at-risk for severe illness and death.

Source: ABC News January 08, 2023 03:17 UTC