Should We Be Freaking Out About The New COVID Variants? | Insider News
Here is a brief overview of some of the new COVID-19 variants:
- BA.4 and BA.5: These subvariants of Omicron are now the dominant strains in the United States. They are more transmissible than previous variants, but they do not appear to cause more severe disease.
- BA.2.75: This subvariant of BA.2, which was first detected in India, is thought to be even more transmissible than BA.4 and BA.5. However, there is not yet enough data to say for sure how it will affect disease severity.
- XE: This recombinant variant is a mix of BA.1 and BA.2. It was first detected in the United Kingdom and is thought to be more transmissible than either of its parent variants. However, it does not appear to cause more severe disease.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 virus is constantly evolving, and new variants are likely to emerge in the future. However, the vaccines and other treatments that are available should continue to be effective against these new variants.
If you are concerned about the new COVID-19 variants, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and make recommendations for how to protect yourself.