It has been more than three years since the Covid 19 Pandemic spread its wings, shook the entire world, and changed the entire course of humanity. The virus took many lives and became one of the deadliest threats to humans in history. As we are still in the process of fighting this pandemic, lately there has been a new development and the world is seeing a new Covid variant named Arcturus, or XBB.1.16. 
The World Health Organization at present has called Covid XBB.1.16 a 'variant under monitoring' after it was found to be spreading rapidly in many parts of the globe. According to recent WHO data, a total of 712 XBB.1.16 sequences have been found in more than 20 countries of the world including Singapore, India, Nepal, the United States, the UK, and parts of Australia. Unfortunately, fresh Covid cases infected with this variant have emerged at a faster rate.
Also Read: Omicron BA.4 And BA.5: Can These Covid-19 Sub-Variants Lead To Another Wave?
What Is XBB 1.16?
Arcturus or XBB.1.16 is a hybrid version of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 which have been successors of the deadly Omicron BA.2. While Omicron replaced delta as the dominant variant around the world and was considered extremely transmissible, the Arcturus variant is as deadly and immune-evasive as its predecessors were. It has also been observed that this variant may bypass the immunity acquired by Covid vaccines. Thus, the variant may easily affect many vaccinated individuals as well. While the symptoms of XBB.1.16 are not very different from the previous strains, in the case of children and old-aged, symptoms may bring some additional complications. XBB.1.16 variant is highly infectious but, in most cases, it does not lead to any severity. The only exceptional symptom is itchy eyes and conjunctivitis which was not seen in previous COVID-19 waves.
Symptoms
The symptoms of XBB 1.16 in adults, children, and the elderly include:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Loss of taste and smell
- Diarrhoea
- Low oxygen saturation
- Respiratory distress and shortness of breath
Also Read: Covid-19: This Is How You Talk To Kids About The Virus, Precautions And Reassure Safety
Treatment For XBB.1.16
The treatment for Arcturus should be aimed like its previous strains whereby the prime focus is to maintain hydration and give medication to reduce fever. Adding multivitamins, bedrest, isolation, and quarantine are also part of effective treatment. In the case of elderly patients, keeping in account their age as they are more at risk to develop complications (which could be due to immunocompromising conditions such as cancer, comorbid conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory conditions), to reduce the chances of such complications, extra precautions should be taken to avoid infection. Symptoms in the elderly are usually the same as in adults and kids, but for the elderly, especially those over 70 years of age, the intensity may vary, and it may be difficult to differentiate between an acute cough and shortness of breath in elderly patients with chronic lung issues.
Precautions For XBB.1.16
While it is critical to take all preventative measures as Covid cases are once again on the rise (with the advent of this new variant), there is no need to panic with XBB.1.16 and if proper precautions are taken, children, adults and the elderly can recover very well. Use masks and maintain proper physical distancing while traveling and when out of the house. Anyone who displays even the slightest of symptoms must be isolated and a total protocol should be followed. It is essential that one must remember basic precautions to avoid getting infected with XBB 1.16 such as washing hands, using sanitizer, wearing double masks in crowded places, and social distancing. Proper ventilation in homes should be kept and respiratory hygiene should be maintained. Make sure that you and your family are vaccinated properly.
Latest Mask Wearing Guidelines
Masking has played a major role in keeping many people safe from catching infection. Though most states had removed restrictions on mask mandate in the past, with new cases on the rise, wearing a mask is becoming a safety measure and may be a mandatory requirement in future. There are certain masks that have been recommended by WHO. However, it should fit on the face and there should be no gaps. Masks are mandatory in waiting rooms and lounges of high-risk areas, oncology departments, dialysis centres and the areas of medical emergencies besdiesfor people with underlying health conditions, aged 60 or older and who have a compromised immune system and or co- morbid conditions.
Ensure you follow requirements as per your state and local masking rules. Broadly, new masking guidelines as per WHO advise masking in the following situations:
- Mandatory in case of respiratory distress, cough, runny nose, or sore throat
- Recommended in indoor areas of public transportation like planes and buses and trains
- Mandatory for 10 days after having a exposure to someone who has been tested positive for COVID-19
- Compulsary for 10 days after COVID-19 symptoms begin and you are tested positive
Mask Wearing Exemptions
The following individuals are exempted from wearing masks:
- Children under two years old to avoid suffocation risk
- People with medical condition, mental health condition, or health problems that may preclude an individual from wearing a mask
- If mask impedes breathing
- Unconscious or incapacitated patients
- Patients unable to take off mask without help
