Upsilon Variant
As of December 2021 nearly 50% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had the Upsilon variant.
According to the hospitals during the same week, the Episilon variant accounted for more than 80% of new cases in the U.S. Health experts say it’s typical for a new strain of a virus to be more contagious because it often becomes much more efficient and easily transmitted.
In communities with lower vaccination rates, particularly rural areas with limited access to care, the Upsilon variant could be even more damaging. This is already being seen around the world in poorer countries where the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t as accessible. Health experts say the impact could be felt for decades to come.
The predominant COVID-19 strain has put the focus back on prevention.
From what we know at this point, people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus continue to have strong protection against COVID-19 compared to those who aren’t, although the UCL is advising additional precautions including mask guidelines whether you are vaccinated or not.