The holidays are fast approaching, which means jam-packed stores, plane and train rides to visit family, and crowded festive attractions. As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of fall and winter, School of Health and Behavioral Sciences Director Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D., says it’s important to stay mindful of viruses that are also out and about spreading unwanted gifts. Below, Hokeness shares intel on the latest COVID-19 variants as well as information on an available drug to combat the persistent illness:
Since the pandemic began in 2020, we’ve seen several new strains of the COVID-19 virus. What’s the latest strain – or strains – making the rounds?
The most prevalent COVID-19 strains in the United States right now are the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants (KP.2, KP.2.3, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1, as well as LB.1). We have heard of Omicron before, and these are just variations of that family. The new vaccine this fall was made for the KP.2 family but there should be enough similarity between KP.2 and KP.3 to provide protection and minimize illness and hospital stays.
There is a new strain called XEC that is emerging and causing infections. It’s a subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain and is made up of combinations of two pre-existing COVID-19 subvariants (KP.3.3 and KS.1.1). It is still the second most dominant strain behind KP3.1.1, but we are seeing a stalling out of that strain, and it is being replaced with XEC infections. While this is a highly transmissible strain, and not something we want to see going into the holidays as we gather in larger groups, the vaccine will likely confer protection based on its components. The course of infection remains the same as well, with similar symptoms as we have seen with the currently circulating virus.
Who should be getting the COVID-19 vaccine this year and when should they plan to get their shot?
COVID-19 circulates year-round and mutates readily, similar to what we see with the flu. Therefore, each year requires careful monitoring as to what strains are prevalent in that season so manufacturers can make adjustments accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months or older get the updated vaccine. It takes several weeks for full immunity to mount; fall is a prime time to get the updated vaccine, so you are protected going into the winter months where we see heightened infection. You can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines together. Remember, vaccines don’t prevent you from getting infected; they are meant to limit the impact of the infections.
If you’ve recently had COVID-19, do you need to get the vaccine?
The CDC recommends that you wait three months after a COVID-19 infection to get the updated vaccine. Infections with the virus will provide protection as you have been actively infected. You will, however, see antibody titers decrease over time, so it is still recommended that you get the updated vaccine each year.
Paxlovid is being used to prevent mild or moderate COVID-19 cases from becoming worse. What should we know about the drug, and how does it work in the body?
Paxlovid is an antiviral treatment, similar to Tamiflu for the flu, and must be taken in the very early stages of the infection to be most effective. Viruses have to enter the body and then infect cells. Once inside, they hijack the cell machinery used to replicate the cell. Viruses can’t replicate on their own, so they have to use the host. Inside the host cell, many copies of the virus are made and then exit the cell to go off and infect more cells — repeating the same cycle. The drug blocks the synthesis of key proteins required for the virus to make copies of itself. If it can’t make copies, it can’t go and infect other cells — causing the infection to subside.
