Doctors are reporting an increase in cases of a new COVID variant in 2025, known as the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant. One doctor has warned that there is a good chance we will need to start wearing masks again if the number of cases continues to rise. What are the chances that we are heading into a new pandemic, and will face masks return due to the NB.1.8.1 variant? Let’s take a closer look at the stats below and discuss how to recognize the NB.1.8.1 symptoms.
The Concerning Rise In NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant Cases
According to the UK Health Security Agency, there has been a major upsurge in cases of the new COVID variant in 2025. In England alone, 13 patients have been diagnosed with the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant since January. The reason for this upsurge could be due to the fact that this specific variant appears to have an evolutionary advantage compared to preexisting variants. According to Dr. Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, the evolutionary advantage of this particular strain is that it can be transmitted more easily from one person to another.
Vaccines Play an Important Role
There are many people who still remain sceptical of the vaccine. This could result in the disease spreading even quicker and further. However, Dr Head believes that they continue to play a very important role in protecting people who are particularly vulnerable to severe disease. This includes pregnant women and senior citizens. According to Dr Head, “the existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to continue to provide extremely high protection against severe disease and to greatly reduce mortality.”
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The Emergence of the New COVID Variant In 2025
The new variant initially appeared on the 21st of January 2025. Just three months later, it accounted for almost 11% of all infections globally. This was quite a dramatic increase from 2.5% just four weeks before. While the symptoms of the new variant are the same as other variants, this version is simply far more transmissible than the others. In addition to the cases that emerged in England, another seven individuals were recently diagnosed with the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant in Northern Ireland.
Virus Mutation Is a Normal Process
According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency, COVID cases increased slightly between the 26th of May and the 1st of June in England. Additionally, weekly COVID hospital admissions rose slightly from 1.40 to 1.49 per 100,000 patients in a single week. However, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of the UK Health Security Agency, stated that it is normal for these viruses to mutate over time and that they continue to monitor all available data relating to the variants, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
No More Serious Than Previous Strains
While only a few cases of the new strain have been reported in the United Kingdom so far, data from international sources indicate that it is growing as a percentage of all COVID-19 cases. However, nothing in the data suggests that this variant will cause any symptoms that are more severe than those associated with existing variants. Additionally, the existing vaccine should also be as effective on this strain as the other variants. However, the Health Security Agency in the UK has urged individuals exhibiting symptoms to stay at home. This could help prevent the further spread of the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant.
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NB.1.8.1 Symptoms
If you exhibit a combination of these symptoms, you may have COVID. Patients typically start shivering and have a high temperature. They may also develop a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Many people report a change or loss of their senses, such as their sense of taste or smell. Patients also feel drained and exhausted and experience headaches and bodily pains. COVID can often be accompanied by a runny or blocked nose and a sore throat. Additional symptoms to look out for include a loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
Preventing the Spread of the NB.1.8.1 COVID Variant
To help slow down the spread of the new variant, people are encouraged to be vaccinated and practice good hygiene. If you do test positive or show symptoms, it is best to self-isolate rather than risk spreading the disease at work or out in public. If you can, try to avoid large crowds if you live in an area experiencing and surge of cases. Even just washing your hands regularly can help curb the spread of the NB.1.8.1 COVID variant. If you are out in public, try to avoid touching your face until you have a chance to wash your hands properly.
The Bottom Line
So, will face masks return due to the NB.1.8.1 variant? It really depends on whether the increase in cases continues to rise or not. Stay up to date on any news relating to COVID cases in your area. Practice caution when it comes to being in public spaces, and be mindful of your hygiene. Prevention is always better than a cure, so be sure to do whatever you can to help prevent the spread of the New COVID Variant In 2025. If you experience any NB.1.8.1 symptoms, rather self-isolate until the disease has run its course and you are no longer likely to pass it on to others.
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