Omicron subvariant BA.2 is just as severe as the original omicron

What to anticipate from an an infection from the BA.2 sub-variant of the omicron variant.

Illustration by Alex Cochran, Deseret Information

The BA.2 subvariant of the omicron variant doesn’t appear to be any extra extreme than the unique type of omicron, the World Well being Group stated Tuesday.

• Vaccines additionally defend individuals from the BA.2 variant in an analogous method to how they defend these with the omicron variant, per Reuters.

What they’re saying: “ different international locations the place BA.2 is now overtaking, we’re not seeing any greater bumps in hospitalization than anticipated,” Dr. Boris Pavlin, a member of the WHO’s COVID-19 response group.

• “Vaccination is profoundly protecting in opposition to extreme illness, together with for omicron. BA.2 is quickly changing BA.1. Its affect is unlikely to be substantial, though extra knowledge are wanted,” he added.

Particulars: Scientists not too long ago found a fast-moving subvariant of the omicron variant — referred to as BA.2, or “stealth omicron.”

• The subvariant has accounted for increasingly more COVID-19 circumstances, resulting in new surges in Denmark, the UK, Singapore and India, as I reported for the Deseret Information.

Sure, however: Consultants informed USA As we speak that there isn’t any motive to panic but in regards to the new subvariant.

• “I don’t suppose it’s going to trigger the diploma of chaos and disruption, morbidity and mortality that BA.1 did,” Dr. Jacob Lemieux, an infectious illness specialist at Massachusetts Normal Hospital in Boston, informed USA As we speak. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we’re going to proceed to maneuver to a greater place and, hopefully, one the place every new variant on the horizon isn’t information.”