Protect yourself from the new COVID mutation

GETTING VACCINATED IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Sofía Márquez / El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

The COVID variant, omicron, somehow complicated our Christmas celebrations last year. The rapid spread of this variant increased both the number of positive cases and the number of hospitalizations and deaths. The effects of the omicron began to dissipate into the month of March. When we thought that everything had passed, another variant, the BA.5, began to be extended from the month of May and threatens to complicate our summer.

“This virus that we have now in Denver and in most of the United States is called BA.5. It is a variant of the omicron. BA.5 is something like a cousin of the omicron that we had between December 2021 and February 2022. However, this new variant is more contagious and easier to transmit from one person to another,” explained Heather Young, a medical specialist in infectious diseases of the Denver Health hospital system.

Heather Young, MD, Denver Health.

Risk factors

This expert points out that those who have more exposure to more people would be at high risk of contracting BA.5. This factor does not work by itself. The immune system of people, strengthened by vaccinations and boosters and by previous infections, prevents the effectiveness of BA.5. However, in many cases, depending on the level of immunity and the conditions of each person, this variant can invade the body.

Studies show that the longer it has been since a person was vaccinated or contracted COVID seems to be related to the risk of contracting COVID again. “It’s not necessarily that BA.5 is infecting more people, but it’s just that more time has passed since the public has been vaccinated and therefore people are getting infected again,” says Young.

Required vaccinations

“It is recommended to vaccinate children from six months of age. Vaccines are safe for them. From the age of 5, vaccinations and the application of a booster are recommended. Meanwhile, for those over 50 years of age, it is essential to apply a second booster. Also, a booster is recommended for those over 12 who have compromised immunity,” Young emphasized.

“The good news is that most people do not develop a very serious infection thanks to this type of virus. Serious cases are very rare, although they can occur, ”says the expert. This means that this new strain of the virus, while highly contagious, is not infectious enough to send many to hospital or intensive care. “But vaccines are still necessary,” concludes Young.

Living with Covid

Clearly, COVID is not going anywhere. For this reason, we as a society must adapt to this new reality. “What we are trying to do is move into what we call an ‘endemic’ phase, where we will live with COVID, but our society can still function. We can live our lives, just knowing that COVID is part of the risk that we need to watch out for,” explains Dr. Young.

For those who are skeptical about the vaccine, Dr. Young maintains that there are extensive studies that prove its safety and recommends that everyone who is eligible to receive it do so. If a person is reluctant to get the vaccine, it is recommended that they wear masks at all times, when in public or around other people.