There is "no evidence" that the new COVID variant is more lethal or severe than any previous variant, a Professor of Immunology has said. 

Despite the absence of restrictions, the virus is very much still with us and scientists continue to detect new strains. 

The current variant has been detected in over 30 different countries and has become particularly prevalent in the United States. 

“It’s one of the sub lineages of Omicron - so, we’re still talking about an Omicron variant, just slightly different,” Professor Paul Moynagh of Maynooth University told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“This new variant is called XBB 1.5.”

A COVID test centre. 31st December 2021. Photograph: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

A small number of cases were detected in Ireland in the run up to Christmas but it is likely that significantly more people have contracted it since.  

“Thankfully, there’s no evidence to suggest that it’s more lethal or that it causes more severe disease,” Professor Moynagh said. 

Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants but it is also less likely to result in severe disease or death.

“One of the reasons there, is that it infects cells in our upper respiratory system very efficiently but not cells in our lower respiratory system,” Professor Moynagh said. 

“And that’s due to an intrinsic difference but also due to the fact that the vaccines are still protecting us against serious illness.”

A Sign outside a Covid 19 testing facility centre at the RDS Dublin. 31st December 2020.  Photograph: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Health service

The current wave of COVID cases - combined with flu - is why the health service is under such sustained pressure at the moment. 

“This is a higher, longer, more protracted flu season than we’ve had in many years and it’s one that’s happening with a new virus - which is COVID,” the HSE’s Dr Henry told Newstalk Breakfast yesterday. 

“The impact of these viruses on our healthcare system has not yet finished and even if it peaks in the coming weeks, there’ll be quite a tail to it with ongoing pressure for a number of weeks after.”

Main image: A woman receives a COVID test. Picture by: Iain Masterton/Alamy Live News