COVID-19 and How to Stay Healthy:
As the world continues to navigate life in the COVID-19 era, a new variant is beginning to raise global concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it is actively monitoring a recently emerged variant named NB.1.8.1 following a noticeable rise in COVID-19 cases in various parts of the world. Now that the variant has also landed in the United States, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of renewed vigilance, especially as summer activities ramp up.
Although we’ve made significant progress in managing the virus through vaccines, treatments, and public awareness, the virus continues to evolve. Variants like NB.1.8.1 serve as reminders that COVID-19 remains a dynamic threat. Here’s what you need to know about this latest development and how you can protect yourself and your community during the summer months.
What Is NB.1.8.1?
NB.1.8.1 is a sublineage of the Omicron variant, which has dominated the global COVID-19 landscape since late 2021. As with other Omicron subvariants, NB.1.8.1 features several mutations in the spike protein—the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells. Some of these mutations may make the variant more transmissible and better at evading immunity from vaccines or previous infections.
At this stage, WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring—a category that indicates there is enough reason to pay close attention, though not yet enough evidence to declare it a variant of concern. Despite this, the uptick in infections associated with NB.1.8.1 globally has led to increased testing and research efforts.
In the U.S., early reports show localized outbreaks in several states, prompting health agencies to issue summer guidance to help prevent a potential wave of infections.
Why Summer Could Drive Up COVID-19 Cases
The summer season, traditionally associated with vacations, family gatherings, weddings, music festivals, and crowded travel, presents ideal conditions for viral spread. Here’s why:
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Increased Travel: Domestic and international travel surges during the summer, and crowded airports and planes can increase exposure risk.
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Indoor Crowding: Ironically, hot weather often pushes people indoors to escape heat, especially in areas with air conditioning. Poorly ventilated indoor spaces are prime environments for the virus to spread.
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Relaxed Precautions: After years of pandemic fatigue, many people are eager to return to normalcy and may be less inclined to follow protective measures like masking or distancing.
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Lagging Booster Uptake: While many people received their initial vaccine doses, booster uptake has lagged in many areas, leaving individuals less protected against newer variants.
All of these factors combined could create a perfect storm for NB.1.8.1—or any emerging variant—to thrive.
How to Stay Healthy and Safe This Summer
While we can’t entirely eliminate risk, we can significantly reduce it by taking proactive steps. Here are some practical ways to stay safe and healthy this summer:
1. Keep Your Vaccinations Up to Date
COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Updated boosters, particularly those formulated to target Omicron-related variants, are essential for maintaining immunity. If it’s been more than six months since your last dose, check with your doctor or pharmacy about getting a booster.
2. Wear Masks in High-Risk Settings
Although mask mandates have largely been lifted, wearing a high-quality mask (like an N95 or KN95) in crowded or enclosed spaces—airports, public transportation, large indoor events—can still make a big difference in preventing infection. Consider masking up if you’re immunocompromised or spending time with vulnerable individuals.
3. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. When you’re on the go, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching public surfaces.
4. Improve Ventilation Wherever Possible
Proper airflow is a powerful tool against COVID-19. Open windows and doors when indoors, use HEPA filters or air purifiers, and consider hosting gatherings outdoors when feasible.
5. Get Tested if You Feel Sick or Are Exposed
Even if your symptoms are mild or resemble seasonal allergies, it’s a good idea to take a COVID-19 test—especially if you’re planning to travel or spend time with others. At-home antigen tests are widely available and easy to use. If you test positive, follow CDC guidance regarding isolation and notify close contacts.
6. Stay Home if You’re Unwell
Don’t push through illness—especially in group settings. Whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or another respiratory virus, staying home when sick helps protect those around you and gives your body time to recover.
7. Monitor Public Health Guidance
Guidelines may shift quickly in response to new data. Stay informed through reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WHO, or your local health department. These updates may include recommendations for travel, testing, or vaccination schedules based on variant trends.
What About Long COVID?
Another reason to stay vigilant is the risk of long COVID, a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms weeks or even months after the initial infection. Fatigue, cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”), respiratory problems, and other persistent symptoms can affect quality of life, even among young and previously healthy individuals. Preventing infection in the first place remains the best defense against long COVID.
Balancing Caution and Enjoyment
It’s entirely possible to enjoy the summer while still taking care of your health. With a mix of smart behaviors and common-sense precautions, you can reduce your risk without giving up the joys of the season.
Here’s what that balance might look like:
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Travel smart: Test before and after trips, mask during transit, and avoid travel if sick.
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Socialize wisely: Keep gatherings outdoors when possible and ventilate indoor spaces.
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Protect vulnerable people: Be extra cautious around elderly or immunocompromised friends and family.
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Stay prepared: Keep masks, tests, and hand sanitizer in your bag or car.
Final Thoughts
As we enter another summer with COVID-19 in the background—and with a new variant like NB.1.8.1 on the rise—it’s essential to remember that the pandemic isn’t entirely behind us. That said, we’re in a much better place than we were a few years ago. With vaccines, testing, treatment options, and public knowledge, we have the tools to manage and reduce risk effectively.
Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, allowing you to enjoy a healthier, happier summer.
