An illustration of omicron. Zoë Petersen, Deseret Information
The omicron wave continues as reinfections change into extra frequent, with over 650 deaths reported on Aug. 2 and the each day common of COVID-19 associated hospitalizations lingering round practically 6,300, in accordance with Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention information.
“We have no idea in regards to the medical severity of BA.4 and BA.5 compared to our different Omicron subvariants,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated at a White Home COVID-19 Response Staff briefing, per CNN. “However we do understand it to be extra transmissible and extra immune-evading. Individuals with prior an infection, even with BA.1 and BA.2, are probably nonetheless in danger for BA.4 or BA.5.”
What are the primary signs of omicron?
A examine performed by researchers in Norway, following an omicron outbreak in November 2021, interviewed over 100 people, with 89% vaccinated however not boosted. It discovered 5 signs had been the most typical:
- Over 80% generally reported a cough, whereas 72% skilled a sore throat.
- A stuffy nostril was reported by 78%.
- Seventy-four % reported fatigue.
- Practically 70% skilled a headache.
- Solely 54% had a fever.
These signs, additionally listed by the CDC, could make the omicron an infection appear like a typical chilly.
Is it simpler to get reinfected with the brand new omicron subvariants?
The newer subvariants have the flexibility to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections, or each, per the Deseret Information.
Since BA.4 and BA.5 have change into the dominant strains, Dr. Wesley Lengthy, an experimental pathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, instructed CNN that he has seen instances of reinfection.
“I've seen some instances of reinfection with individuals who had a BA.2 variant in the previous few months,” he added. Whereas vaccine immunity helps decrease the severity of an infection, it doesn’t provide full safety.