Kraken is a subvariant of XBB.1.5 omicron, a variant of coronavirus. According to experts, subvariants of this lineage have a strong ability to evade the body’s immune response acquired through both vaccination and COVID-19 outbreak. Symptoms are no different from those of omicron infection.
Kraken was detected in the United States in late October 2022. By the end of December, it was already responsible for 40 percent of COVID-19 cases in the US.
Kraken – a new omicron subvariant
The XBB.1.5 subvariant of omicron – unofficially named kraken – was detected for the first time in the US. In the last week of December, it accounted for 40 percent of confirmed COVID cases in the United States, and this is a twofold increase compared to the previous week.
According to experts, subvariants in the omicron lineage are characterized by a strong ability to evade the immune response created by vaccination and infection, which means the risk of reinfection regardless of whether the patient has been vaccinated and had COVID. The new mutation of the virus effectively binds to the cells of the affected organism, but this does not change the symptoms of the infection – they are the same as those of omicron.
Symptoms of kraken infection
- rhinitis,
- cough,
- hoarseness,
- sore throat,
- blocked nose,
- headaches,
- muscle aches,
- olfactory disorders.
Kraken in Europe
The British newspaper The Independent, citing the Sanger Institute, a scientific center there, reports that 4 percent of COVID-19 cases registered in the British Isles between December 10 and 17 were caused by the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which is just kraken.
Course of COVID-19 and vaccination
The course of the disease depends largely on the body’s immunity. Some will pass the infection asymptomatically, others like a cold, and still others will need hospitalization. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate the disease. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is recommended as a solution to support the body in the fight against coronavirus, protecting against severe COVID-19 and death as a result of the infection especially for patients at risk (over 65, chronically ill).
Complications of COVID-19
Complications of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection can persist for up to 12 months after infection, although not all patients develop complications. The most common complications include:
- Headaches – an emerging headache during the course of the infection may indicate infection with SARS-CoV-2 or the influenza virus. However, headaches that persist after the infection is over are classified as pocovid complications. Additional tests are indicated, for which a neurologist can write a referral.
- Muscle and joint pains – these can appear while COVID-19 is still in progress and persist long after the end of the disease. Coronavirus infection can lead to reactive arthritis, so it is worth seeing a doctor if pains are felt more than a week after the end of the infection.
- Cardiovascular complications – complications after COVID-19 include heart pain, chest pain and the risk of blood clots leading to heart attack or stroke. Heart pain after COVID-19 can persist for up to 2 months after the end of the disease, but always requires in-depth diagnosis.
- Chronic fatigue and covid fog – many patients complain of impaired concentration and memory after the infection. Covid fog is a collection of symptoms that include disorientation, fatigue, deterioration of intellectual abilities, problems with memory, concentration or learning.
- Hair loss – up to 25% of recovering patients complain of a hair loss problem – for some women this is worrisome to the point that they decide to have additional tests done. It is very important to check levels of vitamin D, folic acid, zinc, copper, vitamin B-12, and to do a complete blood count, along with TSH, fT4 and fT3. Hair loss can be stopped – it is generally caused by significant weakening of the body due to infection.
- Coughing and shortness of breath – the appearance of shortness of breath can be a sign of interstitial changes in the lungs (fibrosis). Such changes may be visible while the infection is still present or appear even a month after the end of the infection. Shortness of breath may also manifest itself as shortness of breath, rapid fatigability (e.g., heavy breathing after walking or climbing a 2nd floor, which was not a problem before). Pneumonia can also be a complication after COVID-19.
Coronavirus subvariant “Kraken” – frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus subvariant “Kraken”:
Are vaccinated people at lower risk of infection with coronavirus “Kraken”?
It is important to remember that receiving even a set of vaccinations does not fully protect against re-infection with coronavirus “Kraken” – however, it significantly reduces the risk of a severe course of the disease. This is particularly important for patients who are in the risk group, including those who are elderly and have comorbidities. Vaccinated individuals have a better chance of avoiding hospitalization, as well as post-infection complications.
What treatments are available for infection caused by the “Kraken” sub-variant?
As with other coronavirus mutations, people with the disease are primarily advised to isolate themselves at home to limit transmission of the infection. Temporary anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antipyretics, as well as inhalations and sore throat preparations may be used, depending on the symptoms and their severity. If breathing problems develop, hospitalization may be necessary.
What are the symptoms of “Kraken” subvirus infection and how to distinguish it from the common cold?
Symptoms of the “Kraken” coronavirus subvariant are similar to the flu and to the earlier “Omicron”. They mainly include fever and cough, sore throat and a feeling of weakness. Sufferers may also experience muscle pain, olfactory disturbances and difficulty breathing. It is distinguished from the common cold primarily by the short duration of the infection, but its intense course.
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