Not Just Another Omicron Variant - Why You Should Be Concerned About XBB1.5

With so many COVID-19 variants emerging in the last 3 years, you may be tempted to disregard the latest Omicron variant XBB1.5.

But before you skip this article, you should know that XBB1.5 may be the most contagious variant yet.

You can be susceptible to infection by this strain even if you had received vaccinations or had previous infections, hence making it very contagious.

Here are 3 things you should know about XBB1.5.

Why is XBB1.5 more contagious?

XBB1.5 contains more mutations that allow it to evade antibodies produced from vaccination or after a previous infection.

Usually, mutations which enable viruses to avoid antibodies, such as that of parent variant XBB, renders the virus unable to bind itself to human cells as effectively. But XBB1.5 has managed to do both, where it is also able to bind to human cell receptors much more efficiently than other variants.

So, while previous variants took about 4 to 6 weeks to spread widely enough to become one of the most frequently found strains among confirmed cases in the U.S., this one only took a couple of weeks.

As of Jan. 9 2023, COVID-19 caused by the XBB1.5 subvariant accounted for about 25% of confirmed new cases in the U.S.

Does this mean vaccines and boosters are not effective against XBB1.5?

Definitely not! The purpose of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters is not only to prevent infections but to also reduce the severity of infections. Having increased levels of antibodies in the blood and respiratory tract brought about by vaccines can tackle the virus more effectively, leading to milder symptoms even if infected.

Hence, getting a COVID-19 booster is still highly recommended for protection.

What are the symptoms and are they more severe than infections from previous strains?

So far, there is no evidence that suggests XBB1.5 causes more severe illness than previous COVID-19 strains. Experts also believe that symptoms are very similar to other Omicron variants:

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Headaches

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Muscle Aches

If you experience any of the above symptoms and suspect that you are infected, visit any of our clinics:

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp: 8065 0191

All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Source:

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/the-xbb1-5-covid-19-variant--7-questions--answered.h00-159615489.html

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/covid-19-omicron-xbb-15-variant-subvariant-expert-3185436

Health By the Decade: Invest in health in your 30s

Just like your 20s, your 30s is an important phase of life where, once again, you undergo major transformation - At work, you may be making progress in your career and taking on new responsibilities. At home, you take up new roles as you grow your own family.

However, while you are busy navigating life, it is important to remember that your body is changing as well. According to WebMD, your metabolism slows down at 30, which makes you more susceptible to metabolic illnesses if you do not take care of your health.

Treat your health like a savings account; the earlier you invest in it, the better the returns. One of the ways you can invest in your health is by going for health screenings.

There are some recommended screenings you should consider during this time, including screening for chronic diseases. Although chronic disease screenings are normally recommended for people in their 50s and above, we see a trend of metabolic illnesses starting much younger in Singaporeans due to changing lifestyles, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases.

A few recommended health screenings to go for are:

1. Diabetes Mellitus

2. Obesity

3. High Blood Cholesterol

In addition, some relevant cancer screenings that should be done are:

1. Colorectal cancer - usually recommended for ages 50 and above, but should be done earlier for those with risk factors

2. Cervical cancer screening for women HPV - for sexually active females 25 years old and above

Intemedical offers comprehensive health screening packages that include screenings for the above as well as tests for important vitamins and minerals that affect bone, muscle, nerve health and the immune system. This includes:

• Vitamin B12 or Iron (Ferritin) - low levels of either nutrient can contribute to a common condition known as anaemia (low red cells counts)

• Vitamin D - vitamin D deficiency can affect your immune system

You can consider the following screening packages:

• Fundamental

• Enhanced

Make your health screening appointment with us via the following channels:

Online appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic / Teck Ghee / Tampines

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

Landline: Potong Pasir - 6242 6384 / Kovan - 6243 3036 / Teck Ghee - 6904 9579 / Tampines - 6223 3803

(Available during clinic opening hours, 8 am to 12 am)

Sources:

https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/61/Screen_for_Life/sfl-resources#home

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/how-much-does-your-metabolism-slow-down-as-you-age#1

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/slight-increase-in-diabetes-prevalence-despite-5-year-war-against-disease

Intemedical 4 branches - Open all days for CNY 2023

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!

We will be open for all 4 days of the lunar celebrations including CNY eve.

Stay safe and healthy!

Our opening times for all our 4 branches are as follows:

Intemedical Kovan PHPC/CHAS clinic, Acute/chronic care, Pre-departure swabs for travel available

CNY Eve (21 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D1 (22 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D2 (23 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D3 (24 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

Intemedical Potong Pasir PHPC/CHAS clinic, Acute/chronic care, Pre-departure swabs for travel available

CNY Eve (21 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D1 (22 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D2 (23 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D3 (24 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

Intemedical Teck Ghee Acute/chronic care, Pre-departure swabs for travel available

CNY Eve (21 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D1 (22 Jan 2023): 8am - 8pm

CNY D2 (23 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D3 (24 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

Intemedical Tampines Acute/chronic care, Pre-departure swabs for travel available

CNY Eve (21 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D1 (22 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D2 (23 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

CNY D3 (24 Jan 2023): 8am - 12 midnight

Please note that CNY surcharges apply. Your patience at our clinics are much appreciated as we anticipate longer wait times due to less manpower.