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The BA.5 omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., and it is leading to a new wave of COVID-19 infections. BA.5 was responsible for nearly 54% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and BA.4, a similar variant, accounted for another 17%, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Experts are concerned because this particular variant appears to be good at evading the immune system.
"This BA.5 variant is hypercontagious, and right behind it, new variants are coming," says Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "We will continue to generate these variants until people are masked and immunized."
Dr. Poland explains that the transmissibility of BA.5 represents the evolution of the virus to become more contagious and able to evade immune protection from previous infection or vaccination.
"Whether you've been vaccinated, whether you've been previously infected, whether you've been previously infected and vaccinated, you have very little protection against BA.5 in terms of getting infected or having mild to moderate infection," says Dr. Poland. "Thankfully, you still do have good protection against dying, being hospitalized or ending up on a ventilator if you are up to date on your vaccinations."
Due to the consequences of reinfection, including the possibility of long COVID-19, Dr. Poland urges people to continue to take precautions to protect themselves.
"The reality is, it's important to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccinations that are recommended for your age group, health condition, etc.," says Dr. Poland. "Sometime this fall, we may well have a variant-focused vaccine, so get it when it becomes available. And wear a proper mask properly when you are indoors around people who are not your family or in a crowded outdoor venue."
On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland shares the latest COVID-19 news and answers listener questions.
To practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this interview was conducted using video conferencing. The sound and video quality are representative of the technology used. For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
Read the full transcript.
Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland.
Connect with others talking about the pandemic and supporting one another in the COVID-19 support group.
Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.
For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.
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@l0lag0lag0b3 @vic83 @mpeters, your questions have been submitted. I'll let you know when the next podcast is scheduled when I find out.
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1 ReactionI’m ready to explain why I’m at risk for significant progression of the disease. I agree that the doctor would probably say no, but if we met now in an unrushed way, we could talk about which medications I would have to stop when I take Paxlovid.
Thanks - look forward to the next Podcast. How does one sign up for automatic notification of Dr. Poland's Podcast?
Vic, It looks like you are already following the Podcasts page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/. By clicking Follow (as you did), newly published podcasts will be included in your Digest email of new activity. This will include podcasts on all topics as well as Dr. Poland's interviews.
Yes, it is good to be prepared.... and not all doctors or pharmacists are up on the latest drug interactions. Pfizer has a list of drug interactions with Paxlovid on their Internet site.
Back in February, one month after my lung cancer surgery and four months from third Pfizer vaccine shot, I tested positive for Covid despite my self-imposed isolation, curbside pickup and N95 mask. Just like they say, protection decreases over time! Anyway, I was very careful, and it still was not enough to avoid Covid. So not having guaranteed access to an antiviral is concerning when one is high risk of severe disease.
I did not have a fever, and just had a congested cough. Covid symptoms were the same as lung cancer and surgery. I couldn't believe I had Covid, but I did PCR test. I was given Merck Molnupiravir because Paxlovid out of stock. Molnupiravir did help my congested cough immediately, but Paxlovid is far more effective.
Super Thanks!