The highly contagious omicron variant, which is the recently active variant of the Covid-19 virus, currently accounts for half of the Covid-19 infections in the world. The most common Omicron sub-variant is known as BA1. However, there has been an increase in the cases caused by the omicron sub-variant BA2, especially in Asian and European countries recently.
BA2 VARIANT IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS
After the Omicron variant of Covid-19, also called BA1, the BA2 variant started to become dominant in countries as far away from each other as Denmark and India. It is known to have a different structure compared to variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Based on currently available data, the BA2 variant appears to be more rapidly replicating and more contagious than other subvariants. On the other hand, data regarding a more severe course of the disease caused by the BA2 variant are still insufficient. Symptoms include upper respiratory tract complaints such as nasal congestion and sore throat.
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS
Although BA1 and BA2 are similar, there are 20 different mutations between them. The BA2 variant, which was first detected in the Philippines, has been placed under observation variant status in the UK. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that 4 percent of those who contract Covid-19 currently have BA2. According to a study conducted in Japan, it has been shown that it is transmitted more quickly and can cause serious illness.
SYMPTOMS OF THE BA2 VARIANT
Compared to the previous variants, it is seen that runny nose is the dominant symptom in recent cases. Just like in upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat is also experienced, but symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose are detected in the foreground. In general, there is no expectation that the disease will progress more severely. When we look at the recently detected cases, it is clearly seen that there is a more rapidly transmitted variant.
THANKS TO VACCINES, IT IS LIGHTWEIGHT
As it is known, Omicron and its sub-variants can also affect vaccinated people, but it is known that Covid vaccines still prevent the disease from being severe. Like all Covid-19 variants, Omicron and BA2 continue to pose risks for older people and people with chronic diseases. It is especially important to vaccinate these groups. As a result, one should be cautious, Covid vaccines should not be neglected, social distance and hygiene rules should be followed, regular antibody tests should be performed, and the possibility of Covid-19 should be excluded with PCR testing when symptoms occur.