In addition to being highly immune evasive, XBB.1.5 has an additional trick up its sleeve that seems to be helping to fuel its growth.
It has a key mutation at site 486, which allows it to bind more tightly to ACE2, the doors the virus uses to enter our cells.
Coming out of the holidays, during which time people were more likely to travel and socialize, gives any infection — whether it’s the flu, Covid-19 or RSV — more room to run. Looking at the Northeast, where XBB.1.5 is thought to be causing the majority of infections, Michael Osterholm, who directs the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, sees reason for hope.
Americans have been slow to get the new boosters, however. According to CDC data, only 15% of Americans who are eligible have had an updated booster. Among seniors — those age 65 and older — only about 1 in 3 have had an updated shot.
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