Understanding the Arcturus Subvariant: Key Facts and Safety Measures

Here are the essential facts to know about XBB.1.16, nicknamed “Arcturus”, which is the latest Omicron subvariant being monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why is it being monitored?

As with every mutated strain, XBB.1.16 (Arcturus) is more contagious than its predecessors.

A study from the University of Tokyo showed that the variant spreads about 1.17 to 1.27 times more efficiently than the XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 strains. Test results also suggest that the variant is “robustly resistant” to a variety of COVID-19 antibodies.

This indicates that the virus may have the potential to spread worldwide in the near future.

Currently, India has logged more than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases from 12 to 13 Apr, and these cases are believed to be driven by XBB.1.16. It has also been detected in more than 20 other countries, including the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health said the current wave of COVID-19 infections is driven by a mix of XBB subvariants, which also includes XBB.1.16.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms to look out for are sore throat, runny nose, fever, fatigue, cough, headaches, muscle pain and abdominal discomfort. In addition, unique to XBB.1.16 infections, many patients have also reported itchy eyes and conjunctivitis.

Thankfully, there is currently no evidence that the subvariant causes increased severity of illness.

Safety measures to protect the well-being

Even though Singapore treats COVID-19 as endemic, it is still good to practice the safety measures we have learnt in the last 3 years during times when we see a surge in infection rates.

Here are some things you and your family can do to protect yourselves:

1. Manage your health

• Keep a close watch on your body for symptoms and take necessary precautions to avoid spreading your illness to others

• Minimise contact with those unwell

2. Good personal hygiene

• Avoid touching your face

• Cover your mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately

• Practise regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

3. If you are feeling unwell

• Mask up when unwell

• stay at home and avoid social gatherings

• See a doctor promptly

Visit any of our clinics below if you need to see a doctor. All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

Sources:

https://www.gov.sg/article/how-do-i-protect-myself-and-my-family

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/what-arcturus-covid-19-variant-causing-surge-india-3417451

Guarding Against Meningococcal Disease: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Meningococcal disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitides. It is a potentially deadly infection, where one can develop meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcaemia (bacteria proliferating in the bloodstream and damaging the walls of the blood vessels, causing bleeding into the skin and organs). About 10 to 15 in 100 people infected with the disease will die, and up to 1 in 5 survivors will develop long-term disabilities such as loss of limb and brain infection.

Although this disease is not common in Singapore, there is still some risk of getting infected. This bacterium can spread through respiratory and throat secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing. Close and lengthy contact with an infected person and age can also increase the chances of contracting the disease. Hence, those who are at risk are:

• Households or close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease

• People travelling to a country where meningococcal disease is epidemic or highly endemic

• First-year college students who live in halls of residence

• Military recruits

• Infants (less than 12 months old)

• Adolescents (aged 16 to 23 years old)

Signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Limb pain

• Pale skin

• Cold hands and feet

• Rash

• Neck stiffness

• Dislike of bright light

• Confusion

The best way to prevent meningococcal disease is through vaccination, such as the Nimenrix vaccination. There are a few types of Neisseria meningitides and Nimenrix protects against four common types: A, C, W-135 and Y.

Intemedical offers Nimenrix vaccinations at all clinics.

Pricing:

$150 before GST (Nimenrix alone)

$185 before GST (Nimenrix + flu vaccine)

Do note that Nimenrix is offered as ready stock at our Tampines outlet only. Other outlets will require preorders and 1-2 weeks wait.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Sources:

https://www.pfizer.com/science/focus-areas/vaccines/Meningococcal-Disease

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/nimenrix#:~:text=Nimenrix%20is%20a%20vaccine%20used,%2D135%2C%20and%20Y).

Shingles and Shingrix: Now with 10-year protection

It is official - Shingrix, the vaccine to prevent Shingles, has been proven to provide at least 10 years of protection.

New data found in a clinical trial conducted by GSK showed that the Shingrix vaccine is at least 89% effective 10 years after administration in people aged 50 and up. No new safety concerns were identified during the study as well.

This is heartening news and further emphasises the importance of vaccinating yourself or your loved ones against a painful disease.

To recap - Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus from its dormant stage and usually happens as we age or as our immunity wanes.

What are the symptoms of Shingles?

Some symptoms to look out for are a feeling of pain (aching, burning, stabbing) in a specific area, followed by the appearance of rashes. After 1-3 days, the patient may notice a group of blisters in the same area. Accompanying symptoms also include fever, headache or fatigue.

Who are at risk?

Studies have found that the virus can reactivate in one in three adults. The risk of shingles occurring is higher in adults above 50 due to the age-related decline in immunity. Being female, having chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic heart and lung diseases, or a family history of the virus also increases the risk of the disease.

How can I go about getting the vaccine?

Whatsapp any of our clinics below to check the availability of the Shingrix vaccine before making an appointment.

Do note that the vaccine costs $448 nett (inclusive of GST) per dose and 2 doses are required.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8879 9404

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Sources:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/gsk-high-risk-infection-may-be-prevented-with-visit-family-doctor

https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/new-data-show-shingrix-can-provide-at-least-10-years-of-protection-against-shingles-in-adults-aged-50-years-and-over/#:~:text=From%201%20month%20post%2Dsecond,new%20safety%20concerns%20were%20identified.