Coronavirus: Experts see changing COVID symptoms in kids as variant XBB.1.16 cases continue to surge in the country

Virologists believe that the new COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16 is the primary cause of the sudden increase in cases. This new sub-variant of Omicron, which has been discovered in various nations thus far, has also infected thousands of people in India. This virus variant has caused a massive surge in otherwise lukewarm cases of COVID in india. What’s new about this virus is that it has a series of new symptoms than its previous counterparts. And what's even more worrisome is that this variant is attacking kids once more with adults at risk too.

High temperature, a cold and cough, and non-purulent diarrhoea are a few of the main symptoms. Itchy conjunctivitis and sticky eyes are common complaints, which were not present in preceding waves.

Dr. Kuldeep Grover, Head of Critical Care & Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital (R), Gurugram says, “The symptoms of this new variant are mostly low-grade flu-like. People may experience symptoms in the upper and lower respiratory tract. In terms of upper respiratory tract symptoms, people may experience nasal discharge, a sore throat, a slow-rising fever that lasts for one or two days, and loss of smell. In case of these symptoms, it is recommended to get tested for COVID. For lower respiratory tract symptoms, people may suffer from severe bronchitis and cough.”

This new variant is different from others in the sense that it spreads faster than other variants. However, hospitalization rates are low and can be managed at home. In recent times, people who have been vaccinated and exposed to natural infection during the last COVID waves are developing strong immunity against the virus, which is called hybrid immunity.