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Meet XBB.1.5, the New COVID-19 Variant
By Jamie Ducharme
Health Correspondent

Unfortunately, the new year has brought with it a new viral variant: XBB.1.5. Yet another descendent of Omicron, it's currently responsible for about 40% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide, and as many as 75% in the Northeast.

Researchers are still learning about XBB.1.5, but it seems uniquely able to bypass immune defenses gained from vaccination or prior infections compared to past variants. Pair that with its apparent contagiousness, and we may be in for another surge of infections and reinfections this winter.

If you’re among the 83% of U.S. adults who haven’t yet gotten a bivalent booster shot, XBB.1.5 is a good reason to change that. Preliminary research suggests that people who got the latest booster have stronger defenses than those who haven’t. High-quality masks, good ventilation, and rapid tests will also be crucial tools for staying well during this fourth COVID-19 winter.

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Why You Shouldn't Exercise If You’re Feeling Sick
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One Last Read
Why Paxlovid Is So Underused

In the age of Omicron, Paxlovid is one of the only treatments left to help people at high risk for COVID-19. Yet it's dismally underused for several reasons, explains journalist Max Kozlov in Nature.

One of people's biggest fears is Paxlovid rebound, or getting sick again shortly after their COVID-19 symptoms have cleared up. But rebound is typically mild and can even occur in people who don't take the drug, experts say—so it's no reason not to take the life-saving medication if you qualify.

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Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and edited by Mandy Oaklander.