December 15, 2022 — As the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate and infect communities, it evolves and becomes better at evading the immune defenses generated from vaccines and previous infections.
In the third quarter of 2022, several new mutations of Omicron have emerged in many parts of the world, two of which were found to be making up the majority of COVID-19 cases in Europe, United States, and some parts of Asia—the BQ.1.1 and XBB subvariants.
In light of the cold air coming, along with the upcoming holiday gatherings, experts are watching out for a possible surge of COVID-19 infections. How these subvariants compare with the previous variants and how we can protect ourselves were discussed in the Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths webinar “BAGO NA NAMAN? XBB and BQ.1., Alamin!” episode.
Infectious but not virulent
Of the subvariants in the Omicron family tree, the XBB and BQ1.1 were observed to be more transmissible and infective in the past months. The XBB has caused the recent wave of cases in Singapore and is now seen in 35 countries, while the BQ1.1 is dominating Europe and the United States.
Fortunately, the number of deaths and hospitalization from these infections is low. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Franco Felizarta underscored that while these two subvariants are more transmissible, there is no evidence that they carry a more severe illness or clinical manifestations compared to the previous Omicron variants. He forecasts that by January 2023, the more dominant subvariant will be BQ1 and BQ1.1.
“Mababa ang first and second booster sa Pilipinas. Wala pa sa 50% ng population ang naabot ng first booster. Kahit sabihin natin na hindi ito kasing tindi, kung marami ang magkakasakit, ang impact sa health system matindi pa rin,” Dr. Ong-Lim stated.
However, Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim argued that although the virulence of these two new subvariants does not seem to equate with that of Delta, it would still greatly impact the health system if many people will get infected.
“Mababa ang first and second booster sa Pilipinas. Wala pa sa 50% ng population ang naabot ng first booster. Kahit sabihin natin na hindi ito kasing tindi, kung marami ang magkakasakit, ang impact sa health system matindi pa rin,” Dr. Ong-Lim stated.
The pediatric infectious diseases specialist added that the global health authorities are putting these subvariants under close monitoring and investigation.
Have these subvariants reached the Philippines?
According to Dr. Ong-Lim, a total of 61 XBB variant cases have been reported since early October with a majority coming from Western Visayas (60 cases) and one from Davao Region. A total of 81 cases have been detected as of the latest sequencing run.
Meanwhile, the XBC variant is gaining more ground in the Philippines.
The XBC is a recombinant of the Omicron BA.2 and Delta B.1.617.2. This variant has been detected in SOCCSKARGEN (38 cases), Davao Region (27 cases), Western Visayas (5), and BARMM (1) as of October 17. Of these, 5 were reported as deaths, 63 were tagged as recovered, and 3 are still being verified.
As of the latest sequencing run, a total of 193 XBC cases have been reported in the country.
Get boosted not just to add protection against severe disease but against getting symptomatic infections.
Are the current vaccines still effective?
We gain a certain measure of immunity from vaccinations and natural infections. But as immunity wanes and the virus evolves, getting booster shots is critical to protect ourselves from new strains.
“The most important vaccine booster is the one that you get,” Dr. Ong-Lim explained. She mentioned that the third dose is an essential part of our protection.
“Isipin natin na ang ating proteksyon ay hindi mabubuo kung hindi at least three doses ang bitbit ng ating katawan,” she stated.
She encouraged people to get boosted not just to add protection against severe disease but against getting symptomatic infections.
She drew attention to the fact that the Philippines is still sorely lacking in booster coverage. “Looking at our current rates, sana mas madami pang tumanggap ng third dose para maging maayos ang ating protection rates not just for ourselves but for our families and communities.”
By wearing thick layers of protection, the fewer chances there are of infecting each other and the more we can be confident of moving around.
How do we protect ourselves?
The Swiss Cheese Respiratory Pandemic Defense recognizes that no single intervention is perfect at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Each intervention has holes, but together, they build a thicker layer of protection.
Dr. Ong-Lim likened this to our preparedness against rain and flood. “Kung tayo’y lumalabas sa panahon ng tag-ulan, may ilan na nagdadala ng payong, raincoat, bota. Kung mas marami ang suot, mas maliit ang tyansa na mabasa o magkasakit.
“Pero kung payong lang ang proteksyon mo, mababasa ka pa din, lalo na kung dumaan ka sa baha,” she continued.
By wearing thick layers of protection, the fewer chances there are of infecting each other and the more we can be confident of moving around. Wear masks, practice hand hygiene, observe proper ventilation and cough etiquette, stay home when sick, hold gatherings in open air instead of indoors, get tested, and get vaccinated.
Anne Marie Alto
