Two years into the global pandemic that’s thrown everyday life off-kilter, COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2, to be exact), appears as though it’s not quite ready to up and leave. Beginning with new variants like Delta and Omicron emerging over the past year, COVID’s onslaught seems to be relentless. What's more, if the word on the proverbial grapevine is to be heeded, we could see more variants pop up soon—and some of them may already have arrived in the U.S.
Delta here, Omicron there—More variants to come?
The North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services recently identified the BA.2 subvariant, an offshoot of Omicron variant, in a few samples taken from laboratories in the state. The department, however, did not respond to inquiries about whether the outbreak is expected to result in more cases and hospitalizations. The number of daily reported cases in North Carolina seems to suggest otherwise, as COVID cases have seen a steady decline since January. Thus far, the BA.2 subvariant, also dubbed as "stealth Omicron," has been found in 47 US States and 74 countries so far. Experts are also closely monitoring Denmark, which is now responsible for close to 90% of new COVID cases worldwide, hinting at a second Omicron revival.
Staying safe remains the key factor
Vaccinations and booster doses continue to be the primary defense against COVID and its variants, with the chances of being hospitalized being significantly reduced post receiving the vaccine. A recent CDC study found that fully vaccinated persons who received their booster dose had lower illness and mortality rates than those who did not receive the booster. Both of these groups were nonetheless at a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 and/or dying from the virus than the unvaccinated.
