WaPo: “The worst virus variant just arrived. The pandemic is not over.”


The headline says it all. I think this is available for free access, but if you want me to send you a PDF of the article, drop me an email. A couple highlights:

“There has not been a marked increase in hospitalizations and deaths, he reports, because there is so much immunity built up from the winter omicron wave.” However, BA.5 “…takes immune escape, already extensive, to the next level, and, as a function of that, enhanced transmissibility.” In other words, the 21 million people who got sick with Omicron in January (and more millions in December and February) are losing their immunity now. Plus, BA.5 seems to be the variant we have always been worried about: it cares naught for prior infection or vaccination/booster status.

“…knowing that the virus is spreading should reinforce the need for the familiar mitigation measures: high-quality face masks, better air filtration and ventilation, and avoiding exposure in crowded indoor spaces.”

I would love to hear any comments or questions you have on this post. Drop me an email at tom@tomalrich.com.

 

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