The BA4 and BA5 variants of Omicron is causing a massive wave or re-infections thanks to its immune escape ability. IF you were infected with a previous variant of COVID-19 or if you are “fully” vaccinated, you are not protected from being infected by the BA4 and BA 5 variants. Some experts believe that over one million people are being infected every day. If, like me you have managed to evade infection so far, your time is running out before you become infected.
I continue to take basic safety precautions like masking and social distancing not because I fear death, but because I don’t want to have to deal with long haul COVID symptoms and complications. I had to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a nightmare in itself, and in that tight crowded room no one had a ask on besides myself. I am amazed by that.
The vaccines are great at helping avoid hospitalizations and death but they are bot the ultimate solution in America’s new normal. The huge rise in cases caused by BA5 is resulting in a rise in hospitalizations. It would seem to make sense that a rapid rise in cases should result in people taking basic precautions, but Americans seem to be “over” COVID. The virus then happily take advantage of holiday travelers and people gathering in huge crowds. It seems humanity is pre-programed to huddle together in tight crowds and long lines.
Some believe that future variants of COVID will become weaker causing less severe illness but that is not a foregone conclusion. Pi, Sigma, Tau, Upsilon, any one of these can become more deadly. This virus will never be eradicated. Generations from now, children will be getting vaccinated for COVID-19 because our generation wasn’t able to take the threat of the virus seriously. Take simple basic precautions to help stop the spread. Get vaccinated, wear you mask indoors and outdoors if in a crowd, and social distance. BA5 can spread person to person even with a brief passing encounter indoors and outdoors.