A newly emerging COVID-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has been detected in the United States and is quickly gaining global attention. First identified in China in January, this variant now accounts for approximately 10% of global SARS-CoV-2 sequences — a sharp increase from just 2.5% only four weeks prior, according to recent surveillance data.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has yet to add NB.1.8.1 to its official COVID variant dashboard due to the currently low number of cases identified in the U.S. (just 20 at this time), the agency is keeping a close watch. A CDC spokesperson told HuffPost that they are in regular communication with international partners to track the variant’s activity. As its presence grows, it will be formally included in public health updates.
NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage — the same group that the current 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to target. Scientists believe NB.1.8.1 has undergone mutations in the spike protein that may enhance its ability to spread and potentially weaken the immune response, making it more transmissible and possibly better at evading some of the body’s natural or vaccine-induced defenses.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Emerges in the U.S. — What You Need to Know
Despite these concerns, there is currently no evidence to suggest NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous variants. According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, the variant’s symptoms are consistent with those seen in earlier COVID strains.
Infectious disease specialists emphasize that the symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are largely similar to other Omicron variants. Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, notes that while symptoms vary by individual, common complaints include:
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Persistent dry cough
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Nasal congestion or runny nose
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Fatigue and general tiredness
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Sore throat
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Mild fever or chills
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Muscle aches
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Headache
“People may still function and go about their day, but they feel more tired and need to rest more often,” Hoy explained. Some people also report that symptoms come on more rapidly than with older variants, and may resemble cold or allergy symptoms.
Given NB.1.8.1’s lineage, experts are cautiously optimistic that current vaccines will continue to provide protection, particularly against severe illness. Dr. Adalja pointed out that while vaccines may not completely prevent infection — especially with highly transmissible variants — they remain effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death.
Hoy added that high-risk groups such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, or those on immunosuppressive medications should make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations. “Those in healthcare settings or with high levels of exposure would also benefit from staying current,” he said.
For low-risk individuals, Dr. Adalja suggests that getting another booster may not be necessary unless it has been more than six months since their last shot or infection.
For most people, COVID symptoms — even with the new variant — can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and muscle pain. Most individuals recover within a week.
However, those who are at greater risk of complications should consult a healthcare provider early. Antiviral medications like Paxlovid and Molnupiravir can significantly reduce the severity of illness when taken within five days of symptom onset.
The CDC advises seeking urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:
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Chest pain
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Difficulty breathing
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Confusion or disorientation
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Trouble staying awake or waking up
Dr. Hoy stressed that worsening breathing difficulties or chest pain should never be ignored. “If symptoms escalate or don’t improve after a few days, especially in high-risk individuals, it’s time to get evaluated at your doctor’s office, urgent care, or the ER,” he said.
The emergence of NB.1.8.1 is a reminder that the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve. While it’s more contagious than some previous variants, it does not appear to cause more severe disease — and most people can recover at home.
Staying informed, recognizing symptoms early, and keeping up to date with vaccinations remain the best strategies to stay safe. As public health experts continue to monitor NB.1.8.1’s spread, they urge the public to stay calm but cautious.
As always, consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether you need a booster or if you begin experiencing symptoms, especially if you are in a vulnerable health category.
