What You Need to Know About the BA.2 Omicron Subvariant
Recently there has been news on a new subvariant of omicron called BA.2. Be aware that not much is known yet and research is needed. BA.2 is described as a child of the omicron variant. Each variant and subvariant of COVID has different genetic characteristics. Viruses continuously involve and mutate in order to survive and continue spreading. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been tracking all the COVID variants to date. So far omicron has four subvariants which are B1.1.529, BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3.
The WHO stated BA.2 is different from the original omicron by “some of the mutations, including in the spike protein”. As of January 24, 2022, the WHO says that BA.2 subvarient is increasing in many many counties. Studies from India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Denmark show that BA.2 case numbers are increasing.
There is not enough information or research to know what this BA.2 could mean for the future. One early study conducted in Denmark concluded that BA.2 is very contagious and can infect even fully vaccinated and boosted individuals. This study has not been peer-reviewed or published yet so results are still preliminary. The WHO or CDC have not come out with any concrete guidance on the BA.2 subvarient because more information is needed.
Many people have questions about the BA.2 subvarient that cannot be answered because there is not enough research to provide the information wanted. Vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID. It is still recommended to wear a mask in public even if you are fully vaccinated, practice hand hygiene, and social distance. Like all vaccines, COVID vaccines are effective at preventing most infections but they are not foolproof. If you are fully vaccinated and have a breakthrough infection you are less likely to have a severe case of the illness than someone who is unvaccinated. Even if you have already had COVID, it is recommended that you get vaccinated and boosted.
References
https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.28.22270044
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