What we know about the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant so far
The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 subvariant — a new version of the Omicron variant — is sweeping through the United States right now amid a chaotic travel season and the early days of winter.
Why it matters: Cases tied to the new variant nearly doubled over the last week, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And that’s stoked fears that more cases could be on the way nationwide.
XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant: What we know
The XBB.1.5 strain is responsible for 40.5% of confirmed U.S. cases for the week ending on Dec. 31, the CDC estimates show. That’s up about 20% from the week ending on Dec. 24.
The XBB.1.5 variant is responsible for about 75% of confirmed cases in the Northeast alone, which includes New England, New Jersey and New York, the CDC estimates.
What they’re saying: “We’re projecting that it’s going to be the dominant variant in the Northeast region of the country and that it’s going to increase in all regions of the country,” Dr. Barbara Mahon, director of the CDC’s proposed Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, told CBS News.
Mahon told CBS that the CDC did not list the XBB.1.5 lineage in earlier projections because it did not meet a minimum threshold set by the agency.
Zoom out: Experts have become increasingly concerned about the XBB.1.5 and XBB variants — recombinants of the BA.2 subvariant — in recent weeks after it popped up in multiple Asian countries, per Reuters. And it’s spreading as China is seeing a massive surge of cases right now.
“Ironically, probably the worst variant that the world is facing right now is actually XBB,” Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, told Reuters.
XBB.1.5 is different than the XBB variant because it can attach itself better to cells, CNBC reports.
“The virus needs to bind tightly to cells to be more efficient at getting in and that could help the virus be a little bit more efficient at infecting people,” Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, told CNBC.
XBB.1.5 COVID variant: What we don’t know
It’s unclear where this version of the Omicron variant came from, but it is spreading quickly.
We also don’t know how fast and far it will spread. But John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, told Reuters he expects cases to peak in mid-January.
It’s also unclear if there are specific symptoms tied to the new variant.
Symptoms and the XBB.1.5 COVID subvariant
There do not appear to be any additional COVID-19 symptoms tied to XBB.1.5 that are different than normal symptoms.
“There’s no suggestion at this point that XBB.1.5 is more severe,” Mahon, of the CDC, told CBS News.
Yes, but: Scientists said the XBB.1.5 variant has mutations that could allow the virus to evade COVID-19 vaccine boosters and cause more breakthrough infections, CNBC reports.
In October, the XBB subvariant was deemed best suited to evade COVID-19 immunity, Axios’ Erin Doherty writes.
What’s next: “I think it is a really good time for people to do the things that we have been saying for quite a while are the best ways to protect themselves,” Mahon told CBS.
More from Axios:
U.S. to require negative COVID-19 test for air travelers from China
Most Americans don’t have peak protection against COVID
China sees more deaths as COVID “tsunami” takes hold

Everyone has a day when they were born, it is the most important day to remember next to when you get married, and when you get saved. Everyday someone is born, and everyday someone passes away. When those things happen, we want to remember those special days and cherish every moment with that person and celebrate them. We want to always tell someone just how much we love them. We want to settle any differences we have with someone while we can, because one day it could be too late.

I am talking about this because I am remembering my grandmother. Today is her 98th birthday. She is celebrating her birthday in heaven with Jesus and all of our family whose already there. Today was hard for me because I wanted to call her and tell her happy birthday, but I couldn’t. I wanted to sing to her but I couldn’t and I still can’t because of the lump in my throat. I spent today by myself in my room just thinking and crying. I was thinking about all of the things she taught me when I was growing up. I was thinking about how we went to church together, and sometimes we would walk. It has been eleven months now since she has been gone, but everyday seems just like it happened yesterday. I don’t know if I will ever get over it. She was a special kind of lady. When God created her, He broke the mold.

Birthdays are something that we will always remember if we never forget them. I think I was the one who always remember everyone’s birthday in my family. I always wrote them down, and I still do to this day. Even though we lose those we love, never forget to celebrate their birthday, because guess what, they would want us to. Lord knows that I wish I could hug her right now and tell her how much I love her. I would tell her how much I appreciated her teaching me the things she taught me how to do, and know about. She taught me how to fish; therefore, she taught me how to survive. Loss hurts, but the memories last forever.

If you haven’t told those that you love how much they mean to you, and how much you love them, stop and do that. It won’t take but a second to send an email, text, or make quick call, or even send them a card in the mail. No one really ever know how much you love, care, and appreciate them until you tell them. Don’t wait until the last minute, because you just may not have the chance to do it.

Tomorrow is another day that the sun may or may not shine, so enjoy the sun when it shines, and take out some time to smell the roses and give some to those you love. I love you Madea, Rest in Heaven.

Sending these roses to my grandmother in the spirit. XOXO.