Arcturus COVID-19 Variant: Everything You Need to Know

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is attempting to determine how a three-year-old virus is presently mutating in light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases around the world. This new XBB.1.16 COVID-19 variant has the worst side effects so far, and the number of cases in India is rising at a worrying rate. Scientists are attempting to determine how the Arcturus coronavirus variant can be contained.

What is the Arcturus variant, or XBB.1.16?

The Arcturus version, or XBB.1.16, is a subvariant of Omicron and part of the new class of XBB sub variants. It's growing quickly in India, but it hasn't caught on in other places as quickly.

Arcturus, or the XBB.1.16 COVID-19 variant, is reaching a new peak in many nations, including the United States, Singapore, and Australia. The new coronavirus variant Arcturus seems to be going after children more than other Omicron subtypes, which didn't happen very often before. Seeing a pattern, the Indian government has also done mock drills to make sure the hospitals are ready to fight this new war. Here's all the information we need about the new XBB.1.16 COVID-19 variant

Symptoms of the Arcturus COVID-19 Variant

XBB 1.16 has symptoms that aren't too different from previous versions.

1. Fever
2.  Itchy 
3. Conjunctivitis or Pinkeye.
4. Sore throat
5. Running nose
6. Body ache
7. Diarrhea
8. Fatigue

Eye infections such as conjunctivitis have been reported by many new patients.. These are most common in Covid patients. Several experts had also warned that the XBB.1.16 variant has a 140 percent growth advantage over XBB.1.5. This makes it even more dangerous than previous versions. WHO official Maria Van Kerkhove stated, "We are extremely concerned about the possibility that the virus could evolve and become not only more dangerous but also more difficult to treat. "Transmissible but more severe. So we must remain vigilant.”

What is Different About Arcturus?

The Arcturus variant is more likely to spread than other strains, but what makes it stand out is that it has a new COVID-19 symptom: conjunctivitis, which is also called pink eye, which is frequently accompanied by itching. Arcturus is the cause of an increase in COVID cases in some parts of the world, like India, where children are most likely to have itching or "sticky" eyes and flu-like symptoms like a cough, cold, and fever. XBB.1.16 has been detected in 22 countries, including India. 

Is the Arcturus Variant Dangerous?

Even though newer variants are causing more infections, most of the time they cause less serious illnesses. This is likely the result of higher vaccination rates, higher rates of immunity from previous infections, and a weakening in the potential to produce disease in recent variants.

Doctors still encourage us to not let our guard down and to continue practicing COVID-19 prevention measures, including washing our hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home if we feel sick or have any COVID symptoms.

Your Wellness is Our Priority

COVID-19 versions continue to spread, but there are still many simple rules you can follow to keep yourself and your family healthy:

Continue paying attention to the guidance on vaccines and booster shots

• Practice healthy habits like handwashing
• Take advantage of rapid testing to help prevent the spreading of illness
• When the number of cases is high or on the rise, you can still take precautions such as wearing a mask in congested areas.