New Covid strain explained: symptoms, booster shots & Qld restrictions

The Covid threat that emerged before Christmas doesn’t appear to be going anywhere in Queensland. ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

The Covid threat that emerged in Queensland before Christmas is showing no signs of disappearing - so what exactly does it mean?

A spike in cases in early December 2023 led to experts fearing variants will peak in transmissions over the holidays, while in January 2024 hundreds of Queenslanders were in hospital as the wave which began in October had unexpectedly persisted with a double whammy of two sub variants crossing paths.

On January 25 it was revealed one Queenslander a day was dying after contracting Covid while being treated in hospital for other medical conditions.

Several new variants of Covid are spreading around the world, and while hospitalisations and deaths are going down, the speed of the new variants have authorities on high alert.

All your questions answered below >>>

What are the new Covid variants?

The highly contagious HV. 1 was sweeping across the US during the cold and flu season.

HV. 1 is a new omicron subvariant and has quickly overtaken other strains, including EG.5 aka Eris, to become the dominant variant in the US.

The initial wave in Queensland was driven by XBB. 1.5 but since early December the JN. 1 subvariant has emerged and is now becoming dominant in the state.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

■ Sore throat;

■ Dry cough;

■ Congestion;

■ Runny nose;

■ Headache;

■ Fatigue;

■ Fever or chills.

Some less common symptoms include:

■ Muscle or joint pain;

■ Nausea or loss of appetite;

■ Vomiting;

■ Temporary loss of smell and/or taste.

How long do Covid symptoms last?

There’s no exact time frame, with the infectious period dependent on age, severity of illness, vaccination status, and whether someone is immunocompromised.

However generally most people are unlikely to be infectious for more than 10 days after symptom onset.

But some people can experience “long Covid” which can last for several weeks or even months after infection.

How long do you have to isolate with Covid?

Isolation is not currently a legal requirement in Queensland, or Australia, but it is strongly recommended you stay home if positive.

You should also avoid high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings:

■ For at least seven days or until symptoms have gone’

■ Unless seeking urgent medical assistance.

If you plan on leaving your home while infected consider:

■ Avoiding contact with people who are at a higher risk of severe disease;

■ Wearing a mask;

■ Practising good hygiene;

■ Avoiding school, public areas, or travel on public transport or ride-share services.

What are the current Covid boosters in Queensland?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved newer monovalent XBB. 1.5 vaccines and we can expect them soon.

However until then boosting with any available Covid vaccine will provide good protection.

Currently available bivalent vaccines protect against the original ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 (now extinct) plus the newer BA. 1 or BA.4/5 variants.

These bivalent vaccines also protect us against severe disease from the Omicron variants circulating now, such as XBB.

Am I eligible for a Covid booster?

It depends on a few factors, including:

■ If you’ve already had one this year;

■ How old you are;

■ Whether you have medical comorbidities;

■ If you have a disability.

In September 2023 the Australian Technical Advisory Group recommended all adults aged 75 and over get another booster if they hadn’t had one in the past six months.

The Queensland Government website recommended:

“Severely immunocompromised people aged five and over are strongly encouraged to receive a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine two months after the second dose.”

Source: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)

Where can I get a Covid booster shot?

The Queensland Government advises:

“Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder to find a location to get your booster or additional doses.

Speak with your GP or treating specialist to discuss your individual circumstances if you are immunocompromised.”

■ Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder here

What are the current Covid restrictions in Qld?

Face masks are no longer mandatory in most places, but each state and territory has its own advice.

In Queensland the health department reccomends you should consider wearing a mask:

■ If you’re vulnerable (at higher risk of disease);

■ If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection;

■ If you’re a close contact;

■ Where requested by someone inside their home.

In Victoria acting chief health officer Christian McGrath announced on October 26 that community transmission of Covid had increased and all Melburnians consider donning masks again in public places.

Meanwhile NSW Health warned Sydney could be facing a “Covid Christmas” for the third year in a row.

Can you go to work if you have Covid in Qld?

Isolation is not currently a legal requirement but it is strongly recommended you stay home if positive.

If you have tested positive, it is recommended you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings.

Is Covid payment available?

There are payments available for aged care providers and people who’ve experienced harm because of the Covid vaccine.

However you can no longer claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment and High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment.

More information here.

Originally published as New Covid strain explained: symptoms, booster shots & Qld restrictions