The Latest on the New COVID-19 Variants and Their Symptoms
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its third year, new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge. Some of these new strains, like Omicron, have caused major surges in cases due to their increased transmissibility or ability to evade immunity from past infections and vaccinations.
The most recent data indicates that the Omicron variant, specifically the BA.5 subvariant, still accounts for the vast majority of current COVID-19 cases. However, hospitalization rates associated with Omicron infections have started to decline in recent weeks.
Understanding the Dominant Omicron BA.5 Subvariant
The Omicron variant has been dominating since the end of 2021, but newer Omicron subvariants like BA.5 have become predominant. As of January 2023, the CDC estimates BA.5 and its offshoots are causing around 70% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States.
The BA.5 subvariant has shown its ability to reinfect people who previously had COVID-19, even fairly recently. Its mutations make it the most adept SARS-CoV-2 strain yet at evading immunity from vaccination or prior illness. This immune evasion helps explain BA.5's rapid spread.
Common Symptoms of BA.5 Infection
The symptoms caused by BA.5 infection are largely similar to previous variants. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle/body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
However, research indicates Omicron infections, including those caused by BA.5, may be less likely to cause one classic COVID-19 symptom - loss of taste and smell. The viruses’ increased tendency to replicate in the bronchial tubes rather than the lungs and upper nasal passages could explain why fewer smell/taste disruptions occur.
Has BA.5 Caused Increases in Hospitalizations?
Despite the immune evasion of variants like BA.5, vaccination plus booster shots still provide substantial protection against severe disease. So while mutations have enabled Omicron variants to spread wildly, hospitalizations and deaths have not reached the same heights as with earlier surges, especially among vaccinated individuals.
In previous Omicron waves, hospitalization rates lagged a few weeks behind the initial spike in infections. A similar pattern occurred with the BA.5 surge that started in late spring 2022. However, APIC data indicates hospital admissions from COVID-19 peaked in mid-July 2022 and have been steadily declining since then despite high ongoing case counts.
Reasons for Declining Hospitalization Rates
There are a few key reasons why hospitalizations associated with the latest Omicron subvariants are decreasing:
- High rates of vaccination and prior infection have built population immunity
- Omicron variants typically cause less severe illness than earlier strains like Delta
- Improved availability and efficacy of treatments for high-risk patients
Treatments including the antiviral drug Paxlovid and monoclonal antibody infusions have proven effective at preventing high-risk patients’ infections from progressing to severe illness. Better access to these countermeasures is keeping hospitalization rates depressed compared to earlier pandemic surges.
How Long Will BA.5 Dominate?
Public health experts are carefully monitoring the spread of BA.5 to see if another variant arises to challenge its dominance. So far, no newer sublineages from the Omicron branches of the SARS-CoV-2 family tree have demonstrated enough of a competitive edge to overtake BA.5.
However, the virus will likely continue evolving given the sheer scale of transmission driven by the highly contagious BA.5. Experts remain watchful for new “variants of concern” that could spark another dramatic surge. At the moment BA.5 remains dominant, but it’s unclear how long it will continue outpacing emerging strains.
The Potential Impact of New Variants
If a new variant displaces BA.5 to become dominant, it could have significant implications. The key factors epidemiologists consider when evaluating new variants include:
- Transmissibility - spreads faster than current strains
- Immune evasion - avoids existing antibody protection
- Disease severity - causes more dangerous infections
- Reinfection risk - can overcome recent immunity to reinfect
A variant demonstrating improvements across those metrics compared to BA.5 would likely fuel a fresh surge. Experts agree the best defense remains staying “variant-proof” through vaccination and boosters targeting the latest strains.
Continued Caution Advised Despite Progress
The apparent downward hospitalization trends driven by the BA.5 wave are certainly encouraging. However, the last few years have repeatedly demonstrated how drastically the pandemic picture can change in a matter of weeks due to new variants.
Public health officials continue advising caution until vaccination rates increase substantially worldwide. Allowing transmission to remain high gives the virus more lottery tickets in its game of evolution toward variants that escape immunity. Continued vigilance - getting boosted, testing if symptomatic, and wearing masks when appropriate - remains key to preventing another destructive wave.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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