How to Navigate Sparse Infection Data and Rising Hospitalization Rates

Jul 25

The latest Omicron surge, spurred by an uptick of BA.5 subvariant cases, has sent infections skyrocketing. Due, in-part, to a rise in at-home testing, there is a limited amount of data surrounding current infection rates in the United States. This lack of data makes it difficult to discern the number of actual infections and even more difficult to assess the severity of this current wave (also called the “invisible wave”, by some, as it’s evaded registration by some of the metrics previously used to track the disease).*

*Source: The New York Times: “The BA.5 Wave”

However, there is one clear data point that we are closely observing: hospitalizations have climbed by 20% in the past two weeks, sending more than 40,000 people to American hospitals on an average day. While there is no current evidence that suggests that BA.5 causes more severe disease in patients than other Omicron variants, this sub-variant’s unprecedented spread—combined with its ability to evade protections afforded by vaccination and prior infection—has made it “the most transmissible variant of the pandemic yet.“**

**Source: The New York Times: “Covid rises across the U.S. amid muted warnings and murky data.”

What You Can Do to Defend Yourself Against BA.5

The aggressive BA.5 subvariant’s role in rising hospitalization rates makes it more crucial than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting tested regularly in-clinic.

How To Spot Symptoms of a BA.5 Infection

Recently exposed? Unsure if you’re infected? Here’s what to look for:***

Cough
Runny nose
Severe sore throat
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle pain
Sneezing
Pain

Feeling symptomatic? Find a Sameday Health near you here.

***Source: New York Times: What are the symptoms of an infection with BA.4 and BA.5?

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