The Rise of HV.1: A closer look at the latest COVID variant

In a rapidly evolving landscape of COVID-19 variants, a new player has emerged on the stage – the HV.1 variant. Since its first appearance in December 2021, this variant has undergone multiple mutations and is now becoming the dominant strain in circulation in the United States. Reports indicate that HV.1 is responsible for more than a quarter of the reported COVID-19 cases in the country, marking a significant shift in the pandemic’s dynamics.

The emergence of HV.1 has been marked by its remarkable growth and transmission rates. From representing a mere 0.5% of cases in late July, it has swiftly gained ground, nearly surpassing EG.5, the dominant sub-variant in the US since mid-August. This rapid ascent raises questions about the factors driving its prevalence and how it might impact the trajectory of the pandemic.

Genetic Lineage

HV.1, like many other variants, is a mutation of the EG.5 variant, which itself descended from the original XBB strain. Genetic analysis has revealed that HV.1 shares similarities with other Omicron strains but also carries distinct mutations that set it apart from other sub-variants. However, health experts suggest that its overall severity remains on par with other XBB-related sub-variants, providing some reassurance in the face of its prevalence.

Infection Severity and Experts’ Opinions

Despite its high transmission rate, HV.1 does not appear to be causing more severe illness compared to other circulating variants. Experts, including Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, suggest that there is no need for excessive concern about HV.1.

Symptoms and Variability

The symptoms associated with the HV.1 variant are consistent with those seen with previous COVID-19 variants. According to the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Many of these symptoms resemble those of a common cold, making early detection and testing crucial. It’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, with potentially heightened risks for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Booster Shots Adapted for Defense

In response to the emergence of the HV.1 variant, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna have recently updated their COVID-19 booster shots. These updates are specifically designed to target the XBB variants of the virus. Experts in the field believe that these booster adjustments may offer an added layer of protection against HV.1. This is primarily due to the genetic similarities shared between HV.1 and the XBB variants that the booster shots were initially developed to combat.

 The emergence of the HV.1 variant as the dominant strain in the US underscores the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. While its transmission rate is a cause for concern, the current consensus among experts is that it does not necessarily bring increased severity in terms of illness.