Preliminary data from researchers in China suggest the NB.1.8.1 variant is not better at evading the immune system compared to other strains on the rise, but it does have a greater ability to bind to human cells, suggesting it could be more transmissible.

A highly transmissible COVID-19 variant behind a rise in cases in China has made its way to the United States, and now attention is starting to focus on whether its symptoms bear any distinctions from numerous other strains.

A new COVID variant - NB 1.8.1 - is creeping across the country; here are the symptoms to watch for, and vaccinations you'll need to take.