2023-11-29 06:26:00
Title: HV.1 Corona Variant Spread Causes Alarm in the USA and Germany
Published: November 29, 2023, 5:26 a.m
By: Lennart Schwenck
The rapid spread of the Corona variant HV.1 in the USA is causing a stir. Experts warn about the health effects.
Frankfurt – The HV.1 corona variant continues to spread rapidly in the USA – and now dominates among new corona infections. According to initial findings from experts, the new variant increasingly attacks the bronchi, the link between the lungs and trachea in our respiratory system.
Andrea Garcia, Vice President of the American Health Association (AMA), urged close monitoring of this new corona variant. First detected in the summer of 2023, the HV.1 variant has replaced the previously dominant omicron subtype “Eris” (EG.5) in the USA.
Although the proportion of HV.1 variants among Covid-19 cases in the USA increased from 0.5 percent to 25.2 percent from July to November 2023, there are so far no reports of the spread of this variant in Germany. The symptoms of HV.1 are similar to other omicron variants, making accurate identification difficult. They are as follows: Stuff nose, sore throat, runny nose, cough, exhaustion, headache, fever, chills, muscle pain if necessary. Chronic bronchitis.
But what is particularly alarming is the suspected effect on the bronchi. Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center told the US portal Today.com, that HV.1 could cause “a type of chronic bronchitis.” This is manifested by a persistent cough even after other symptoms have subsided. Despite this worrying feature, there is currently no evidence that HV.1 is more contagious than other Covid-19 mutations.
In Germany, the omicron subvariants Eris, Pirola, and JN.1 continue to dominate the list of new infections. Although no cases of HV.1 have been detected so far, the Robert Koch Institute has recorded a significant increase in the overall number of infections. With a view to the Corona pandemic radar of the Federal Ministry of Health (Stand: 27. November 2023) But there is no reason to worry for now.
However, the number of unreported cases in Germany is likely to be higher due to people not being tested. Possible infections can be counteracted with preventive measures such as regular hand washing. If you suspect an outbreak of infection, it is advisable to do a rapid corona test. These are available in most pharmacies or drugstores.
Meanwhile, reports of a wave of infections in China, which primarily affects children, also caused excitement. The World Health Organization (WHO) called on the People’s Republic to comment. (ls)]
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