By EMILYANN JACKMAN

pennlive.com

(TNS) — Just when we all thought COVID was far behind us, a new variant has emerged to threaten our well-being once again.

The new variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has made its way to the United States. The variant, which was first discovered in China earlier this year, currently accounts for 10% of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences tested from around the world, according to recent surveillance data found.

That’s a huge leap from 2.5% four weeks ago.

A Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson told HuffPost that the agency is in regular contact with international partners about the activity of NB.1.8.1. Currently, only 20 NB.1.8.1 sequences have been identified in the US – which is below the threshold that’s needed for a variant to appear on the agency’s COVID dashboard.

The spokesperson even added that as soon as its prevalence increases, the new variant would show up on the tracker.

One important thing to note: according to infectious disease specialists, there are no alarming differences between the symptoms of NB.1.8.1 and those caused by other versions of SARS-CoV-2.

“Currently, it appears that NB.1.8.1 would have similar symptoms to other COVID variants that have recently been circulating,” Dr.

Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee, told HuffPost.

Here’s what you should know about the newest COVID variant that’s making its rounds: Compared to the current variant that’s dominating the U.S., which is LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1has multiple new mutations on the spike protein that could enhance its ability to bind to our cells, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These mutations could increase the virus’ transmissibility and potentially diminish the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies that prevent pathogens from latching to our cells.

In simpler terms, the variant could be skilled at evading some of our defenses, research suggests.

When it comes to the signs and symptoms of the new variant, NB.1.8’s symptoms are the same as those seen with SARS-CoV-2 variants, according to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security.

Two of COVID’s telltale symptoms are a mild, but persistent dry cough and nasal congestion. However, many people who come down with the virus also experience fatigue and tiredness.

“An infected person can still make it through the day, but they are resting more and feel more tired throughout the day,” Hoy said.

Other common symptoms include fever, chills, a sore throat, and muscle aches. “Some have described recent variants as less intense symptoms as compared to wintertime influenza viruses, but both can have severe symptoms,” Hoy said.

Also, reports out of China where it has spiked say it comes with a very painful side effect — “razor blade throat,” which is described as feeling like you “swallowed shattered glass or razor blades.”

Right now, there’s no evidence that suggests the variant causes more severe disease or an uptick in hospitalizations or deaths, the WHO states. According to Adalja, the only noticeable aspect, as of now, is that its rising in prevalence.

As for if the vaccines are effective against NB.1.8.1, its currently too early to know how effective the shots are, as research is limited since the variant is so new, but scientists are expecting the shots to hold up well.

“The ability of the vaccines to prevent severe illness is intact, though protection versus infection is limited and transient,” Adalja said.

Therefore, anyone who is at risk of severe disease should stay up-to-date with the shots.

“Those in older populations or with underlying immune disorders or on immune-decreasing medications would benefit more from vaccination, or those with increased exposure, such as healthcare workers,” Hoy added.