According to a new report, two new Omicron variants will become the most dominant in NSW as a result of its “growth advantage” over previous strains.
Key points:
- The new variants of Omicron are “more sticky” than their predecessors
- There is no evidence that it is related to an increase in the severity of the disease
- Experts recommend that people be more disciplined with the use of a mask
The new variants, BA.4 and BA.5, will surpass the previously predominant variant BA.2 in the coming weeks, NSW Health’s respiratory surveillance report said.
“BA.4 and BA.5, first identified in early April, are expected to become the dominant strains in the coming weeks,” a NSW Health spokesman said.
“And it will probably be associated with an increase in infections.”
Virologist Stuart Turville of the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW said BA. 5 was “more sticky” than its predecessors due to differences in its spike glycoprotein, which influences how the virus relates to cells.
“BA.5 does not appear to be a major seismic change as we saw with BA.1 and BA.2 compared to Delta,” Professor Turville said.
“[But] what we’re watching with BA.5 is that it starts to like the tissue that pre-Omicron variants like … like lung proteins.
“What we want to know now is whether you like it as much as the Delta and pre-Omicron variants or is it just a BA.2 change?”
Infectious disease experts say there is evidence that Omicron subvariants are effective in reinfecting people with previous BA.1 infections or other lineages.
There is also concern that these subvariants could infect people who have been vaccinated.
However, there is still no link to an increase in the severity of the disease, although it is being closely monitored, according to the NSW Health Report.
Surveillance of hospitals and laboratories saw an early start to the flu season this year, as well as a rapid increase in reported cases, which raised concerns about tensions in essential services.
Elizabeth Elliott, a professor at the University of Sydney School of Medicine and Health, said there was no doubt that the “chaos” would be caused by the emergence of new variants in the winter flu season.
“Hospitals are already struggling with the burden. And children are not exempt. We recommend flu vaccines and COVID for all eligible,” he said.
However, Professor Turville is more optimistic that precautionary measures can help ease the pressure.
“I would say that if you haven’t done so yet, go get your third dose. While it may not stop you from getting infected, it will certainly help with the severity of the disease,” he said.
“If you were given a third dose some time ago and the ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) recommends a fourth dose, do it. Please.
“The other thing is that even though people don’t like the restrictions, it’s important to be considerate and wear a mask. We don’t know who has a good response to the vaccine or not.”
Posted 48 minutes, 48 minutes ago, Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6:03 AM, updated 24 minutes ago, 24 minutes ago, Friday, June 17, 2022 at 6:27 AM