About XBB.1.5 and BQ.1, Wuhan CDC's latest response!

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The reporter learned from the Wuhan CDC that XBB.1.5 and BQ.1 variant strains have not been found in Wuhan. However, the CDC experts reminded the public that with the arrival of the return passenger flow peak, the mobility of people increases, we must also continue to do a good job of personal protection, scientific wear masks.

Yang Xiaobing, director of the Institute of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control at the CDC, introduced that since the optimal adjustment of the new crown epidemic prevention and control policy, the Wuhan CDC has continued to carry out whole genome sequencing of the new crown virus for outpatients and inpatients at sentinel hospitals in accordance with national, provincial and municipal surveillance programs to grasp the mutation trend of the virus strain in real time.

The surveillance data from January 10-17 showed that the prevalent Omicron variant strains in Wuhan were all BA.5.2.

Nevertheless, CDC experts reminded the public to remain vigilant and do their personal protection. Yang Xiaobing introduced.

On the one hand, now is the high season of influenza and other winter and spring respiratory infectious diseases, good hygiene habits should continue to adhere to, so as not to just “Yang Kang” and infected with other diseases.

On the other hand, after a longer period of infection with the new coronavirus, the protective effect of antibodies decreases, and encounter immune escape ability of the strain, does not exclude a few recovered people, especially those with low immunity may be re-infected.

Yang Xiaobing reminded that during the Spring Festival, travel, visiting friends and relatives and other travel to and from the plan, frequent contact with people, the public masses still need to strengthen personal protection, adhere to wear a mask, a meter line, diligent hand washing, do their own health the first responsibility. At the same time, adhere to the regular work and rest and healthy eating habits, keep the living room tidy, often open windows and ventilation, scientific exercise to improve the immunity of the body. Do self-health monitoring, focusing on protecting the elderly and people at high risk of serious illnesses such as serious underlying diseases.

Vaccination is the most economical and effective means to prevent and control infectious diseases, and the new coronavirus vaccine used at this stage is still very effective in preventing infections, serious illnesses and reducing deaths. CDC experts remind that the public, especially the elderly population over 60 years old and those with chronic underlying diseases, should be actively vaccinated with the new coronavirus vaccine for early vaccination and early protection.