“Do not know much about it”

The new variant of the coronavirus is a mixture of the two already known variants of omicron BA1 and BA2. It has probably arisen because an individual has been infected by the two variants at the same time. Then the virus has ended up in the same cell and parts of the genome from the two variants form a new variant.

– So far we do not know much about the new variant, but it could be more contagious than the variants that dominate today, says Niklas Arnberg, professor of virology at Umeå University.

The new variant is called XE and according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), it was first discovered in the UK at the end of January. So far, about 600 cases have been found until March 29, which corresponds to 1 percent of the analyzed samples. A few cases have also been found in Thailand.

According to the WHO, the new virus variant could be 10 percent more contagious than BA2, which is now the one that dominates in Sweden, but that more data is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.

– There is nothing to suggest that it would be more dangerous than other variants, says Niklas Arnberg.

Expected with new hybrids of the coronavirus

According to him, the formation of viral hybrids is expected, not least in view of the extensive spread of infection that we have had with different variants circulating at the same time. The fact that a virus changes through mutation or mixes with each other are completely normal ways that benefit the virus’ survival. This does not mean that it will be more dangerous.

– So far we have not seen so many hybrids of the coronavirus. Deltakron was one such, but so far this variant has not had a huge spread, says Niklas Arnberg.

According to the WHO, the number of covid-related deaths is declining in all regions. In Europe, the death rate fell by 15 percent between March 27 and April 3. In South and North America, it fell by 61 percent during the same period.

How likely is it that we will get new waves of infection in the future?

– We can probably be quite sure that the spread of infection will subside in the summer because the virus spreads more efficiently when it is winter. Then there is a risk of increasing the spread of infection this autumn again, we can probably count on that, says Niklas Arnberg.

Is there reason to believe that the vaccines would not bite on the new variant? According to Magnus Gisslén, professor of infectious diseases at the University of Gothenburg and chief physician at the infection clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, the answer is no.

– Now the vaccines have a rather bad effect against becoming infected with both BA1 and BA2, but good protection against serious illness, therefore it is important that we continue to vaccinate ourselves.

New virus variants will continue to form and this need not be a disadvantage for us.

– The fact is that if you become infected with the virus but not seriously ill, the immune system can get a boost. This in turn can provide better protection against future variants. This is how the pandemic eventually turns into an endemic infection, he says.