Omicron, a globally dominant variant with human-to-human transmission, has several subtypes. The most common of these are BA.1, BA.1.1 and BA.2. Many countries in the world have reported the infection caused by the BA.2 variant, which was first detected in the Philippines. At the global level, the reported subvariant called BA.2 has increased more than BA.1 in recent weeks.
OMICRON’S MASTER VARIANT IS NOW BA.2
However, it is also known that the global circulation of all variants is decreasing. BA.2 has a different genetic sequence than BA.1. Initial data suggest that BA.2 is more contagious than BA.1, the most common Omicron subtype currently reported. Although BA.2 is increasing proportionally to other Omicron subtypes, there is still a global decline in overall case numbers.
WHAT ARE BA.2 SYMPTOMS?
Reinfection with the BA.2 subvariant has been documented in studies assessing the risk of reinfection with the subspecies. However, preliminary data from studies assessing the risk of re-infection at the population level suggest that infection with BA.1 provides strong protection against re-infection with BA.2, at least for a limited time.
Omicron BA.1 was known to be milder than both the original strain of Covid and the Delta variant. In experimental and animal model studies, it has been reported that the clinical severity of BA.2 is not different from BA.1, especially in regions where immunity is high due to vaccination and natural infection, such as South Africa, England and Denmark. The clinical manifestations of BA.2 are similar to Omicron. Cough, sneezing, runny nose, fever, loss of taste and smell, sore throat and shortness of breath can be seen.
NO INCREASE IN HOSPITAL INSTALATIONS
As a subspecies of Omicron, BA.2 infections require careful reporting and close monitoring. Omicron and its subspecies appear to be less likely than previous variants to cause serious illness, particularly in vaccinated individuals. The World Health Organization states that, based on evidence from Denmark, BA.2 does not appear to be more severe than the original Omicron variant and that the spread of BA.2 did not lead to unexpected increases in hospitalizations.
The data show that the vaccines are less effective than previous variants at preventing infections caused by Omicron, but are still effective against serious diseases. In particular, reminder doses are equally effective against BA.2. The extension of the Omicron wave by BA.2, a slower decline in the number of cases and an increase in hospitalizations may be a problem, especially for countries with low vaccination rates.
HOW TO FEED WITH COVID, WHAT SHOULD BE ATTENTION TO?
Proper and balanced nutrition is important in viral diseases as well as in all diseases. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals will contribute to the strengthening of the immune system. Vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D should be taken in appropriate amounts with the advice of specialist doctors.
Drink plenty of water during the day that the body needs. The importance of water, which is the source of life, has been proven in the coronavirus process, as in all diseases.
Patients must rest. Adequate, regular and quality sleep is very important in the disease process.
A positive perspective in the disease process will make a significant contribution to recovery. The patient should stay away from anxiety and stress and take precautions for this.
If medication has been given to the patient by specialist physicians, the drugs should be taken without interruption. Patients should notify their doctors of any changes in their condition without delay.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON AGAINST THE DISEASE…
Studies have shown that BA.2 is not much different from other sub-variants. However, it is not yet known how the variant will affect those who have not been vaccinated, elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases. In the next period, the quarantine process becomes even more important in the disease caused by this new variant. Vaccines remain critical in reducing serious illness and death, including the still circulating Omicron variant. It is known that current vaccines are effective against serious diseases and deaths.