What to Know About BA 5 Variant

What to Know About BA 5 Variant

While the world has opened up more, COVID-19 is still a major threat. As it spreads, mutations occur, resulting in new variants. Currently making up a majority of the United States’ COVID-19 cases is Omicron’s BA.5 variant. Due to the highly-transmissible nature of this variant, the United States is facing an increase in cases. Northwell Health’s North Shore University Hospital is here to keep you safe. Keep reading for more NSUH information and key facts about the BA.5 variant.

BA.5’s Increasing Infection RateNSUH information

The BA.5 variant, which is to be immune-evasive and highly transmissible, has caused COVID-19 cases in the United States to rise. This is due to a mutation of the spike protein, impacting cell entry and somewhat allowing the variant to avoid antibodies.

Also adding to this increase in cases is the lack of proper safety precautions. Unlike the earlier times in the pandemic, safety is now taken less seriously and infected individuals may infect more people. This highlights how essential it is to utilize safe practices in your everyday life. Contacting our office for NSUH information is key to staying updated on potential developments. 

Staying Protected Against BA.5

It is important to understand how to protect yourself against the BA.5 variant or how your experiences with COVID-19 may impact your risk of infection. Here are some situations that may lead to greater protection against the variant:

  • Being vaccinated
    • Receiving three doses of the vaccine is more protective than only two doses. Booster vaccinations help work against immune evasion by increasing antibodies.
  • Previously being infected with Omicron
    • A protection rate of 76% against a symptomatic reinfection of BA.5 has been found for those who have had an Omicron case of COVID-19.
  • Previously being infected with a pre-Omicron variant.
    • A protection rate of 15% against a symptomatic reinfection of BA.5 has been found for those who have had a case of a variant such as Delta or Alpha.

Receiving NSUH Information on the BA.5 Variant

When dealing with a rapidly spreading virus, it is important to stay updated on NSUH information. Our team at Northwell Health’s North Shore University Hospital is here to share key details on staying protected from COVID-19. To learn more, contact us today!