Today, Explained BA.5 and DIY Covid
Jul 19, 2022
Dr. Keren Landman, Vox’s in-house epidemiologist, dives into the nuances of the surging BA.5 COVID-19 variant, now the dominant strain in the U.S. She discusses the challenges of vaccinated immunity and the effects of the Paxlovid treatment, including the intriguing phenomenon of Paxlovid rebound. With public apathy on the rise, Dr. Landman emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in health management, urging listeners to stay informed and proactive in navigating this new DIY era of the pandemic.
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BA.5 Variant Concerns
- The latest COVID variant, BA.5, is causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations.
- This is concerning as previous Omicron variants did not cause a similar rise in hospitalizations.
Shifting COVID Outcomes
- Earlier Omicron variants caused a surge in cases but hospitalizations and deaths remained relatively stable.
- BA.5, however, is linked to an increase in the proportion of hospitalized COVID patients.
Booster Effectiveness
- Older COVID boosters still offer some protection against BA.5, particularly against severe disease.
- They may not prevent infection, but they reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.