Fact Check: New Covid Health Advisory. Everyone is advised to wear a mask because the new COVID-Omicron XBB variant coronavirus is different, deadly and not easily detected properly:- Symptoms of the XBB virus are as follows: 1. No cough. 2. No fever. There will only be: 3. Joint pain. 4. Headache. 5. Neck pain. 6. Upper back pain. 7. Pneumonia. 8. General loss of appetite. XBB is 5 times more toxic than Delta variant and has a higher mortality rate. It takes a shorter time for the condition to reach extreme severity, and sometimes there are no obvious symptoms. This strain of the virus is not found in the nasopharyngeal region

Fact Check: "New Covid Health Advisory"

What We Know

The claim regarding a "New Covid Health Advisory" suggests that everyone should wear masks due to the new COVID-Omicron XBB variant, which is described as different, deadly, and not easily detected. The advisory lists symptoms that allegedly include joint pain, headache, neck pain, upper back pain, pneumonia, and general loss of appetite, while stating that there are no coughs or fevers associated with this variant. Furthermore, it claims that XBB is five times more toxic than the Delta variant and has a higher mortality rate, with a rapid progression to severe illness and sometimes no obvious symptoms (source-3).

The XBB variant is indeed a real strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but the claims surrounding it are misleading. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, while XBB.1.5 has mutations that allow it to evade immunity, it has not led to the same surges in cases as previous variants. The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely, and the assertion that cough and fever are absent in cases of XBB is not supported by current medical understanding. The CDC and other health organizations continue to monitor variants and recommend vaccination as a key tool in combating severe disease.

Analysis

The claims made in the advisory are largely unfounded. The assertion that XBB is "five times more toxic" than the Delta variant lacks scientific backing. Health experts have indicated that while XBB variants are more transmissible, they do not necessarily result in more severe disease or higher mortality rates compared to earlier strains (source-5). The symptoms listed in the advisory are not consistent with the broader understanding of COVID-19 symptoms as reported by health authorities, which include cough and fever as common signs of infection (source-2).

The source of the advisory appears to be a viral message that has circulated on social media platforms, often referred to as "copypasta," which lacks credibility and is not derived from official health organizations (source-3). The spread of such misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion among the public, emphasizing the importance of verifying health information through reliable sources.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claims made in the "New Covid Health Advisory" regarding the XBB variant are misleading and not supported by credible scientific evidence. The symptoms listed do not accurately reflect those associated with COVID-19, and the assertion that XBB is significantly more dangerous than previous variants is unfounded. It is crucial for the public to rely on verified information from health authorities to avoid misinformation.

Sources

1. What You Need to Know About XBB.1.5, the Latest Omicron Variant
2. Fact Check: False claim about Omicron variant and its symptoms
3. Did You Receive a 'New COVID Health Advisory' Message? It's Fake
4. XBB Symptoms: 10 Nightmare COVID-19 Variant Illness Warning Signs
5. Facebook users share unverified claim about 'strength' of ...
6. Fact Check: Old ‘Misleading’ Advisory Against XBB Variant ...
7. Fact check: Viral message on COVID XBB variant is fake; don't ...