The BA.2.12.1 variant of COVID-19 is making up about 37% of new coronavirus cases across the nation and according to the latest data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the growth of BA.2.12.1. and other variants, is expected. “SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing and the mutations in its genetic code over time, will accumulate. New variants of SARS-CoV-2 are expected to continue to emerge. Some variants will emerge and disappear, while others will emerge and continue to spread and could replace previous variants,”
The CDC says that BA.2.12.1 is a descendant of the BA.2 virus which is a subvariant of the omicron strain of COVID. BA.2.12.1 has the ability to transmit easier than all of its predecessors and experts said it could become the dominant strain of COVID within a few weeks.
Like the previous BA.2 variant, BA.2.12.1 most often presents with upper respiratory symptoms similar to that of the flu. Original COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The omicron variant most often included sneezing, coughing and sore throat, while a number of additional symptoms from BA.2 include fatigue and dizziness. Experts say the best way to lessen the effects of COVID and its variants is vaccination.
(AL.COM/www.al.com)