Short Wave

BA.5: The Omicron Subvariant Driving Up Cases — And Reinfections

Jul 12, 2022

The BA.5 subvariant is now the dominant strain in the U.S., leading to a rise in COVID cases and quicker reinfections. Experts discuss how this variant prompts a reassessment of health strategies and mask mandates. Despite its high transmissibility, they emphasize that BA.5 does not lead to more severe illness than previous strains. However, there's concern over potential long-term risks from multiple infections. Listeners learn about the importance of accurate testing data and ongoing protective measures in managing this wave of COVID.

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Impact of the BA.5 Omicron Subvariant on COVID-19 and Reinfections

2min

Understanding COVID-19 Testing and Rising Reinfections

2min

Understanding BA.5: Contagious Yet Manageable

2min

Long-Term Risks of BA.5 Reinfections and Health Recommendations

3min

BA.5 is now the dominant SARS-CoV-2 subvariant in the United States. It's driving up COVID cases and hospitalizations across the country.

It's also causing quicker reinfections. More people appear to be contracting the virus multiple times in relatively quick succession.

Today, host Emily Kwong talks with science correspondent Allison Aubrey about this dominant subvariant: What it means for mask mandates, "long COVID" — and why infectious disease experts think this wave will be more manageable than last winter's surge.

Got COVID questions? Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.

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