New Variants Are More Contagious and Can Evade the Immune System
In a share on Sohu, renowned Taiwanese intensive care expert, Dr. Huang Xuan, warned that new variants such as KP.2, JN.1, and XBB, belonging to the “FLiRT” group, are not only highly contagious but also adept at evading the immune system. Even those who are vaccinated or have previously had COVID-19 remain at risk of reinfection.
Worryingly, the symptoms are no longer as apparent as before. It is rare for infected individuals to experience fever; instead, they may exhibit a range of subtle signs, such as fatigue, headache, diarrhea, reduced sense of smell, or a sore throat without pain. Meanwhile, the virus could be silently attacking the lungs, causing frosted glass-like lesions that can only be detected through advanced medical imaging.
“No Fever” Doesn’t Mean “No Infection”
Data from domestic and foreign studies show that only about 40% of new patients exhibit fever symptoms, a significant decrease compared to the early stages of the pandemic. Dr. Huang emphasized:
“A sore throat without pain, dry tongue, or mild loss of smell could be the first sign of infection and should not be taken lightly.”
He advised that if there are signs of suspected infection, one should monitor their health for the first 48 hours. If severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent severe headache, or persistent diarrhea appear, one should seek immediate medical attention.
Masks and Social Distancing Remain Crucial
Even if symptoms are mild, infected individuals should self-isolate at home and limit contact with others to prevent community spread. Especially in crowded places like hospitals, elevators, and trains, wearing masks remains an effective preventive measure.
The Three Golden Rules for Facing New Variants
Finally, Dr. Huang offered three key recommendations to help people recognize and prevent the risk of infection:
No fever doesn’t mean no infection.
Mild symptoms require monitoring, while severe symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention.
Masks remain effective, and immunity should be maintained over the long term.
“What to Do If Your Gas or Oil Is Contaminated with Water?”
The rainy season brings with it a unique challenge – deep water puddles and floods. This often results in water seeping into the gas tank, a problem that many car owners face. It is imperative to address this issue as it can lead to costly repairs and even render your vehicle inoperable.
The Hidden Financial Risks for Pregnant Women from COVID-19 Outbreak
In a scientific study, researchers examined data from 598 hospitalized pregnant women with positive results for COVID-19. They discovered that approximately 75% of these women were asymptomatic, highlighting the potential for pregnant individuals to carry and transmit the virus without displaying any symptoms. This finding emphasizes the importance of regular testing and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially among pregnant women. The study also revealed a higher likelihood of preterm birth and cesarean delivery among COVID-19 positive pregnant women, reinforcing the need for additional care and monitoring during pregnancy for those affected by the virus. By understanding the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals, healthcare providers can better support and protect this vulnerable population.
