2023-04-21 10:34:16
new strain of covid XBB.1.16 or Arcturus It is a strain that the World Health Organization has been monitoring for outbreaks since March. which was first found in January In Thailand, there have been 8 cases of infection with this strain (data as of April 16, 2023).
Arcturus XBB.1.16
even Covid XBB.1.16 will be only one of the five main subspecies of the most infectious omikron But according to the Global Covid Genetic Code Database or GISAID, it is stated that 47% of the strains that have spread in Thailand are COVID XBB.1.5, and if counting all the strains of COVID that are currently spreading in Thailand, there are Only 3% is COVID XBB.1.16, but what is worrisome is This strain has the ability to spread quickly.
Common symptoms of an infected personCovid XBB.1.16 Often starts with a sore throat feel chilly Then there will be a high fever. In some cases, the fever may be as high as 38-39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by dry cough, sputum, mucus, red rash on the limbs. that is rarely found in other species of COVID Instead, it is a specific symptom found in XBB.1.16, although this symptom has not been reported in patients in Thailand.
In the past treatment has been used. Ready-made immunity (Long Acting Antibody: LAAB) for protection before exposure to infection Including use in the treatment that is considered effective for people with mild to moderate symptoms Especially in vulnerable groups (risk group 607) and those who are not immune, such as vaccination but immunity is not up. There are indications for use And no modifications have been made for dealing with this XBB.1.16 strain.
The drug Molnupiravir (MoInupiravir) and Favipiravir Favipiravir, although the drug response to XBB.1.16 is not as good as that of other strains. But in general medical settings, these two drugs can still be used. Including the doctor may consider replacing other drugs to treat the symptoms as well. But have to wait and see if After the meeting of the Medical Department is expected to take place next week. Will there be a summary of the change in medication guidelines or guidelines for treating COVID-19 or not? How?
After all, even experts around the world predict that The XBB.1.16 strain of COVID, or Arcturus, will become the main strain replacing other strains. But there is insufficient information on whether it makes the patient more severe. As for the immune avoidance from the vaccine, it is still unclear whether it will be better than the current strain, so the best protection at this time. It is still advised that Give a booster COVID vaccination. Especially those who have had the last injection for more than 4 months.
Article by : Phyathai Hospital 1 Tel. 1772
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