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Currently, more and more countries are experiencing an increase in the number of cases of COVID, especially with Omicron’s BA.5 variant. Learn more about the BA.5 strain and how it manifests itself in children here.
According to the US authorities, the BA.4 and BA.5 variants represent 80% of the current cases of COVID-19, but most are with BA.5, a strain that is increasingly common in our country as well.
In addition to increased transmissibility, the BA.5 variant also appears to have a greater ability to reinfect humans, with previously acquired immunity from vaccines and past illness not being of much help.
The symptoms of BA.5 are similar to what we have generally seen in diseases with the Omicron variant, which was a milder one compared to the other strains. “The symptoms of COVID-19 may be slightly different for each individual patient”, claims Gemma Downham, epidemiologist at AtlantiCare, writes verywellfamily. “However, the common symptoms we see with the currently circulating variants include headache, body aches, especially back and neck pain, fever and fatigue.”
In the case of children, the BA.5 variant appears to be a lighter form. “We have more fevers, sore throats, coughs, runny noses, fatigue and headaches with this variant”, says Vidya Mony, an infectious disease pediatrician. Even if the number of cases among children is constantly increasing, the little ones generally do not need hospitalization.
”Note that children generally have milder symptoms compared to adults. For example they may just have a stuffy nose or low appetite because of the pain in the throat” explains Dr. Anu Seshadri, internist pediatrician. The specialist claims that parents must be cautious and test their children if they have suspicions. It is also important to remember that although most children will experience a mild form of BA.5, as the number of cases increases, the virus may also reach more vulnerable children who have chronic illnesses or immunosuppression. low, affected. For these children, the virus may not be as mild. “I don’t think that schools, kindergartens and other educational institutions will be closed because this is a milder option, but the wearing of masks in crowded spaces/rooms and increased hygiene measures could, again, be implemented.” explained the pediatrician.
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