Subvariants – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

February 2, 2023

The ‘Kraken’ subvariant XBB.1.5 sounds scary. But behind the headlines are clues to where COVID’s heading

James Trauer, Monash University and Angus Hughes, Monash University

XBB.1.5 and other subvariants do signal a change in how the virus is mutating. Here’s what this means for Australia and globally.

The FDA advisory committee discussed vaccine safety, effectiveness of the current shots, potential seasonality of COVID-19 and more. wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

January 27, 2023

FDA advisory committee votes unanimously in favor of a one-shot COVID-19 vaccine approach – 5 questions answered

Matthew Woodruff, Emory University

Many questions remain about next steps for US vaccine policy. But the FDA advisory panel’s hearty endorsement of a single-composition COVID-19 vaccine represents a pivotal step.

XBB.1.5 is rapidly spreading across the globe and will likely become the next dominant COVID-19 subvariant. (Shutterstock)

January 16, 2023

FAQ on COVID-19 subvariant XBB.1.5: What is it? Where is it prevalent? How does it differ from Omicron? Does it cause serious illness? How can I protect myself? Why is it nicknamed ‘Kraken’?

Sameer Elsayed, Western University

The XBB.1.5 subvariant — nicknamed ‘Kraken’ — is arguably the most genetically rich and most transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant yet.

Cathay Pacific crew members who worked on a flight from Hong Kong arrive at Vancouver International Airport. Canada now requires air travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau to have a recent negative COVID-19 test result. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

January 15, 2023

Canada’s new COVID test rules: Targeting travellers from China will not stop globally circulating Omicron subvariant

Jennifer Fang, Simon Fraser University; Julianne Piper, Simon Fraser University, and Kelley Lee, Simon Fraser University

Canada’s new COVID-19 testing requirement for travellers arriving from China is unlikely to prevent the spread of new subvariants.

December 11, 2022

Is my RAT actually working? How to tell if your COVID test can detect Omicron

Thea van de Mortel, Griffith University

Some results of independent testing of rapid antigen tests available in Australia have been made public. Here’s what the data tell us.

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