‘Even those who had COVID-19 infection before still need to be vaccinated fully, because no one is immune from the new and future strains and sub-strains of this virus.’
CORONAVIRUSES are single-strained RNA viruses with large genomes, of which there were two. In late 2019, in Wuhan, China, a third “novel” (new) coronavirus emerged, identified as SARS-CoV2, which started this COVID-19 pandemic. It started with the Alpha strain, and subsequently mutated to Delta, Omicron – BA.1 (with subvariant Stealth Omicron – BA.2).
As new mutations evolved, they replace the older variants and become the dominant strains. With the Omicron Stealth subvariant (BA.2), it is our sixth wave in this pandemic.
Starting early this year, on March 29, 2022, BA.5 was discovered. The following day BA.4 showed up. Both were first discovered in South Africa. Which country they actually originated from is yet unknown.
So, here we go – again, starting from scratch! So far, we know these two new subvariants are more highly transmissible, cause milder symptoms, and respond somewhat to the booster vaccines. This was what we knew earlier about Omicron, then later, we found out Omicron was a vicious killer also, even worse in some areas than Delta. So, let us monitor BA.4 and BA.5 closely, with masks on, doing social distancing and avoiding crowds — again!
Do vaccines work against these 2?
It is believed that those who are fully vaccinated (with two booster shots) are protected to some degree (still being studied), and will have less severe symptoms when infected, compared to those who are not fully vaccinated. The unvaccinated are the greatest spreader of the virus and are at the gravest risk. More than 10.77 billion COVID-19 vaccines have been given worldwide, confirming their safety and efficacy. A new universal Omicron vaccine is under development.
Do we need Booster #3?
Since these two are new viruses, like when the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron first emerged, we did not know anything about them. So, we have to observe how BA.4 and BA.5 behave clinically. Once pertinent data are available, the WHO, CDC, and FDA, would advise the public accordingly. In the meantime, as I said, here we go again… personal hygiene, masking, distancing, and avoiding crowds. And very importantly, those unprotected should get vaccinated. Even those who had COVID-19 infection before still need to be vaccinated fully, because no one is immune from the new and future strains and sub-strains of this virus. We still have to be disciplined, patient, careful, and compassionate to others to survive this and not infect and “kill” people around us. A bit of paranoia (medical vigilance) helps too.
How accurate are the COVID home test kits?
The Ontario Science Table reported the sensitivity of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for the Omicron was 37 percent versus 81 percent sensitivity for Delta. So, out of 100 infected persons tested using RAT kits, only 37 of them will test positive and 63 of them will get a false negative. However, the value of the Rapid Antigen Test is when the result says “positive,” it is 100 percent accurate, besides providing a rapid (15 minutes) result.
If negative, but the person is having symptoms, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) confirmatory test is needed, because PCR is a lot more accurate than the Rapid Antigen Test. RAT provides rapid results, while the PCR may take 2-3 days. PCR test has about a 20-percent false-negative yield. (Note: Do not clean the nose of mucus before either test.
The viruses are in the mucus. Wiping the mucus off, like throwing away evidence, will lead to a false-negative result).
If the test is positive, Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Therapy (like Eli Lilly’s Bebtelomivab, which is specially designed to protect against Omicron variants also) should be administered within a 7-day window (not later) from the first symptom. Prompt testing and timing of mAb treatment are vital.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
