iStock Infections from the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variant continue to increase in the US. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 COVID-19 infections can be contributed to the new variants. While we are still in the early stages of understanding these variants, it appears that it may cause symptoms such as a wet cough, which can be seen with more significant lung infections. Shutterstock As well as these new variants, we are again seeing reinfections in people who are vaccinated and/or already infected with COVID-19 and therefore should have some natural immunity. These variations may also indicate that immunity to the vaccine and to infection with Covid-19 is beginning to wane, which is a potentially worrying factor as we approach autumn. As we have seen with previous variants, neither vaccination nor previous infection with COVID-19 prevents someone from becoming infected. As long as people don’t get seriously ill and end up in the ICU or worse from infection, the vaccines are doing their job. The long-term concern is how well immunity, from vaccination and/or previous infection, continues to protect people as more time passes and new variants emerge. iStock Many people still show positive test results after the CDC’s recommended five-day isolation period. If you are completely symptom-free and still show a positive result on a rapid test, I would recommend rechecking your results with a PCR test at your local care center. If negative, isolation is no longer required, however it is recommended to wear a mask until day 10. Shutterstock Recently, medical professionals have seen strange increases in respiratory viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus and adenovirus – all of which are commonly known to have spikes in the winter months. Many researchers believe these increases are caused by the introduction and continued infection of COVID-19 and its many subvariants. However, there is an additional reason for these diagnoses: many doctors and hospitals are running “multiplex” tests that look for more than just Covid and are finding positive results for viruses they never suspected in the summer and for viruses we might have simply missed in the past because we never looked. Shutterstock Last week, the Biden administration, along with the CDC, removed the requirement for airline travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test before re-entering the country. However, if you plan to cruise – you must show proof of vaccination and a negative test result. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of them 35 places you’re most likely to catch COVID.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e Dr. Michael Blaivas is Chief Medical Officer at Anavasi Diagnostics. Dr. Michael Blaivas Dr. Michael Blaivas is Chief Medical Officer at Anavasi Diagnostics. read more
