EACH DAY, I DUTIFULLY CHECK THE NEW YORK TIMES online edition to see Covid incidence and mortality trajectories at various places in the United States and worldwide. Today we look at the BA.5 omicron variant of COVID19.
Cases of COVID-19 are again surging in the United States and elsewhere, with the BA.5 omicron variant driving the latest increases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has picked up its spread rate since last autumn and is now spreading like wildfire. Today, we have several Omicron subvariants.
Yale researchers report that in early July 2022, the BA.5 strain — the most contagious one, joining another subvariant, NA.4 — appeared responsible for more than one-half of Covid19 cases. BA.4 makes up 20 percent of all Covid cases in the United States.
Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, explains that the BA.5 variant is “hypercontagious” and is fueling rises in hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
Today we look at the BA.5 variant, including some strategies that may help you to dodge this latest peril.
Covid BA.5 omicron variant — It’s more resistant
First, the good news: The BA.5 omicron variant of Covid19 does not appear to be associated with a higher death rate. Still, Dr. Poland notes this disturbing fact: Compared with those who are vaccinated and boosted,
Unvaccinated individuals have a 5-times greater likelihood of getting infected, a 7.5-times higher risk of hospitalization, and an up to 15-times increase in infection-related death.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant.
Moreover, a recent study published in Nature indicates that the BA.5 variant is four times more resistant to the gold-standard messenger RNA vaccines than early strains of omicron. Examples of mRNA vaccines include those from Moderna and Pfizer, respectively.
Covid BA.5 omicron variant — What you can do
Moreover, a recent study published in Nature indicates that the BA.5 variant is four times more resistant to the gold-standard messenger RNA vaccines than early strains of omicron. Examples of mRNA vaccines include those from Moderna and Pfizer, respectively.
I have been vaccinated and boosted. I am surprised to learn that I may have little protection against getting an infection or having a mild-to-moderate Covid BA.5 omicron variant infection.
I am rather tired of all that comes with the pandemic. But I appreciate that my lining up to get the jabs gives me good protection against being hospitalized, in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a breathing machine (ventilator), or dying from a Covid19 infection.
One more thing: As much as I recently enjoyed a maskless England and Scotland (truthfully, I donned a KN-94 mask in crowded indoor environs), I have returned to wearing a KN-94 or N-95 mask when indoors, especially in crowded environments. I am also glad that I am up to date on my vaccinations.
Variants such as Omicron and BA.5 are a natural part of the virus’s progression. We will continue to see new variants popping up. As long there are Covid-19 outbreaks somewhere in the world, we will see something new emerge.
Let’s learn to live with the virus. Please be mindful and careful. The pandemic continues, but hopefully, we are through the worst of it. Oh, one more thing: Some Centers for Disease Control tips on reducing your risk:
Thank you for joining me today for this look at the BA.5 omicron variant of COVID19. And please consider signing up to follow this blog!
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
