Some kids who contract the newest are presenting with a brand new and strange symptom: pink eye, or conjunctivitis.
In line with , anecdotal reviews counsel that the XBB.1.16 Omicron subvariant — already dubbed the Arcturus variant on social media — could also be inflicting pink eye in pediatric sufferers. Though america authorities will declare an finish to the in Might, some specialists are anticipating a surge in circumstances from this new variant, which is extremely contagious.
In line with knowledge from the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), it’s presently the of COVID within the U.S., monitoring proper behind XBB.1.5, its predecessor.
Right here’s what dad and mom have to know in regards to the Arcturus XBB.1.16 variant, together with which signs to look out for in kids.
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, together with a sore throat, runny nostril, sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious illnesses at Vanderbilt College Medical Middle, informed TODAY that XBB.1.16 inflicting extra fevers than earlier COVID variants. Additionally it is related to , in kids.
Pink eye could be attributable to viral or bacterial infections. Signs embrace redness, swelling, and itchiness within the eyes. The excellent news? COVID-related pink eye infections clear up shortly, and so they don’t seem to have any lasting results in sufferers.
Nonetheless, as any mother or father is aware of, pink eye is tremendous contagious — particularly amongst kids. “In case you contact the pink eye an infection, you will get [it] in your palms and transmit it to another person,” Schaffner defined.
So, how can dad and mom preserve themselves and their households secure from this pink eye-causing variant? are a superb first line of protection. The CDC this secure and efficient vaccine for everybody 6 months and older.
“The present beneficial vaccines are efficient at stopping critical illness for the entire Omicron variants,” Schaffner added.
Since COVID primarly spreads by way of contact with respiratory droplets, you may additionally contemplate outfitting your loved ones with . And if anybody in your loved ones reveals signs of COVID, you should definitely get them examined for the virus.