Advertorial All You Need to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant - Arcturus

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A new version of COVID-19 has surfaced and it's raising concerns among medical professionals worldwide. The Arcturus strain, also known as XBB.1.16, was found in more than 20 nations after it was discovered in India in January. Consequently, the Indian government has taken steps to curb its transmission, such as enforcing the compulsory use of face masks in public places.

 

When a new COVID-19 variant is discovered in 2023, what does this all mean? Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand provide a quick summary of what we need to know about the Arcturus COVID-19 variant.

1.  What is the Arcturus Variant?

The XBB.1.16 or Arcturus is another COVID-19 variant, and is believed to be more contagious than the previous Omicron sub-variants. This has raised alarm among health experts, who are urging people to stay alert and continue practicing COVID-19 prevention measures.

 

The global spread of Arcturus is currently being monitored by the World Health Organization and classified as a "variant under monitoring." This classification indicates that the variant is less severe than those classified as "variants of interest" or "variants of concern."

2.  What are the Symptoms of Arcturus?

The symptoms of Arcturus share similarities with the common COVID-19 symptoms, such as high fever, cough, cold, and loss of taste or smell. However, doctors and experts in India have reported that many children are experiencing conjunctivitis, which is a new symptom compared to other variants.

 

The symptoms are very similar to the seasonal flu, so don’t let your guards down. If you feel sick, it’s recommended that you get checked using an ATK or by a professional.

 

People who have their own health problems should be extra careful, and be cautious with the new strain. People in the high-risk group could experience shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, and difficulty breathing.

3.  Is the Arcturus Variant Dangerous?

According to experts at the University of Tokyo, Arcturus could be 1.17 to 1.27 times more contagious than Kraken, the last omicron sub-variant, making it the next dominant variant.

 

Although newer variants are causing higher levels of infection, they usually result in less severe illnesses. This is most likely due to the increased vaccination rates and immunity from prior infections. Additionally, recent variants may have a reduced ability to cause severe illness.

 

However, medical professionals advise against becoming complacent and recommend maintaining COVID-19 prevention measures. These include frequently washing your hands, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home if you feel unwell or exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms.

4.  How to Protect Yourself from Arcturus

The steps we've been taking for the past three years to protect ourselves against COVID-19 are still useful in protecting ourselves from Arcturus.

 

Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective methods to avoid contracting COVID-19. The virus itself has evolved and is now becoming better at evading the original vaccines. This is why it is so important to get a booster shot to improve your defenses.

 

High-risk groups, such as those over 65 with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and those with weaker immune systems, must be extra careful and wear face masks.

About Pacific Prime

Are you an expat in Thailand looking for the best health insurance? As a reputable health insurance broker with over 20 years of industry experience, Pacific Prime’s expert advisors have the knowledge and expertise to help you compare health insurance quotes and find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.

 

Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for unbiased insurance advice and a free quote today!