The United States is facing a surge in COVID-19 cases as the country enters the winter months. This is largely due to the increased spread of new virus variants. One of the most prevalent variants is called Omicron subvariant BQ.1.
This variant was first identified in Brazil in December 2020 and has since been found in several other countries. It is believed to be responsible for a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil. The Omicron subvariant BQ.1 is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and can cause more severe illness. It is also resistant to some of the existing vaccines. The variant has now been found in at least 14 states in the US, including California, Florida, and New York.
New Omicron Subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 Could Aid The Next Covid-19 Surge In The US
There is a new subvariant of the Omicron variant, called BQ.1.1, which is even more contagious than the original Omicron subvariant. This new subvariant has not been found in the US yet, but it is only a matter of time before it arrives.
The Omicron variant is not the only one of concern. There is also a variant called P.1, which was first identified in Japan. This variant is also more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and can cause more severe illness.
There is another variant called L452R, which was first identified in South Africa. This variant is also more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and can cause more severe illness. It has now been found in at least 9 states in the US, including California, Florida, and New York.
All of these variants are concerning because they are more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and can cause more severe illness. They are also resistant to some of the existing vaccines. The best way to protect yourself from these variants is to get vaccinated with one of the new vaccines that are specifically designed to protect against them. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both effective against the Omicron subvariant BQ.1. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also effective against this subvariant.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both effective against the P.1 and L452R variants. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also effective against this variant. It is important to note that vaccines are not 100% effective against these variants. However, they are still the best defense we have against them.
Only last week did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention begin to publish the prevalence of BQ.1.1 and BQ.1, but the two are already causing alarm. The CDC believes they accounted for more than 11% of infections last week. The increase from a month before was less than 1%. Fauci the director of the CDC stated that “The bad news is that a new variety is forming that may be able to circumvent some of our treatments because of its traits or characteristics.”
There are further omicron subvariants to be aware of in addition to BQ.1.1. More than 300 sub-lineages of omicron are being tracked, according to Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization. At a news conference on Wednesday, Van Kerkhove stated that “all of these subvariants of omicron are displaying higher transmissibility and features of immune escape.” One, in particular, seems to be quite adept at breaking beyond immunity.
If you have not been vaccinated yet, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you have been vaccinated, you should still take precautions to protect yourself from these variants. You should wear a mask, social distancing, and wash your hands often. You should also avoid large gatherings. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact. If you must go out, you should wear a mask and take precautions to protect yourself and others.