With a steady increase in the XBB variant in India, several experts have claimed that the variant is unlikely to cause critical illness. At present, XBB variants account for 10–20% of COVID cases across all states.

Dr. Shahid Jameel, a virologist from the University of Oxford, explained that XBB is a viral subvariant fashioned from a mixture of the Omicron sub-variants BA.2.75 and BA.2. He noted that although its spread may lead to increased infections, it is unlikely to cause any serious increase in severe disease due to the high level of hybrid immunity, i.e., high infections plus vaccination.

Dr. Gautam Menon, professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, stated that several clinical proofs prove the immune evasiveness of the newer subvariants in comparison to earlier strains. However, he added that this evidence does not show any association with negative clinical outcomes. 

(Source: https://business-journal.in/latest-news/covid-19-xbb-unlikely-to-cause-severe-illness-in-india-say-experts-business-journal/ )