The good news is that simple measures (like vaccination, washing hands and wearing a mask) can help protect yourself and others from COVID this summer. “We will probably see a spike in COVID cases this summer because people may be traveling more,” says Dr. Sobieszczyk. “But any huge spike will be offset by people engaging in outdoor activities, in areas with more ventilation.”
Health Matters spoke with Dr. Sobieszczyk on what to know about NB.1.8.1, the latest on COVID vaccines, and how to stay safe from the virus this summer.
Is the new COVID variant Nimbus more transmissible?
In several countries, NB.1.8.1 has led to a surge in infections, emergency room visits and hospitalizations, especially in China where it was first detected. So we know it has certain mutations that may make it more transmissible compared to other variants.
It started to appear in the U.S. earlier this year and has now been added to the CDC’s COVID data tracker as cases continue to increase domestically.
What are the symptoms of Nimbus? Are they similar or different from other COVID variants?
There seem to be more allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing or having a runny or stuffy nose. But overall, NB.1.8.1 symptoms are not any different than those of other COVID variants. People may experience a sore throat, congestion, mild cough, fever, or fatigue. So far, NB.1.8.1 has not caused severe disease when compared to other variants.
Which COVID vaccines are currently available?
Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax are the COVID vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use.
The vaccines should be effective at protecting against severe disease since most of the variants that are circulating now – including NB.1.8.1 – descend from the Omicron JN.1-lineage of the COVID virus, and the vaccines target the JN.1 strain.
Who can receive the shots?
Currently, COVID vaccines remain on the CDC immunization schedule for infants, children and adolescents and adults – including people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, with or without a prior COVID vaccine history, as well those who are otherwise healthy.
The CDC did recently update its guidance for children ages 6 months to 17 years, recommending that parents, guardians, or caregivers should discuss the benefits of COVID vaccination with a health care provider.
With a potential surge in COVID cases this summer, do you consider the virus seasonal or year-round?
The fact that we see new variants starting to come up in the summer strikes down the notion that COVID is just a cold weather virus. I think it’s a year-round illness, not a traditional winter cold. Other infections, like the flu, tend to sometimes stretch out into the spring months as well.
What are additional ways people can protect themselves from COVID, especially during the summer travel season?
It is important to keep in mind that respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV, and the flu can have a lingering effect on health. And COVID in particular can, in some people, lead to lingering symptoms called long COVID. I recommend people speak with their clinicians about more tailored ways to protect themselves, especially if they or their loved ones have underlying conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
Other than getting vaccinated, key reminders as people gear up for summer are to make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and to wash and sanitize your hands. If possible, spend time in well-ventilated areas and if you feel sick, stay home. Lastly, use masks – keep them handy, such as while on flights.
Magdalena Sobieszczyk, M.D., is the chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and is the Harold Neu professor of infectious diseases in medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Sobieszczyk is also a clinical virologist and the principal investigator of the Columbia Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit, funded by the National Institutes of Health, which has been advancing the science of infections like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.
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