New COVID 'Cicada' Variant Is Spreading

Summary: A new COVID-19 variant called "Cicada" (BA.3.2) is slowly spreading across the globe. It earned its nickname because, like the insect, it stayed hidden for a long time before suddenly appearing. The Cicada variant has over 70 mutations, making it quite different from older strains. Because of these changes, it might be able to sneak past some of the immunity we get from past infections or vaccines.

Symptoms are mostly the same as other COVID strains, like a runny nose, headache, and cough. However, some people are reporting a very painful "razorblade" sore throat. While cases are rising, experts say there is no proof yet that Cicada is more dangerous than other variants, and vaccines should still help prevent severe sickness.

Source: rssapp-ophthalmologyadvisor-com URL: ophthalmologyadvisor.com/news/new-covid-cicada-variant-is-spreading/ (opens in new tab)