covid subvariants

Unlike the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 reinfections are no longer uncommon, with more new variants emerging and leading to questions about immunity. The omicron variant has led to a major shift in “natural immunity,” with many who had previously been infected susceptible to reinfection with the variant, as well as its faster spreading subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5. In May,…

Considered the most contagious COVID-19 subvariants to date, BA.4 and BA.5 have fueled surges in case counts across the country, including in the Midwest, where both have become predominant strains. According to Chicago’s top doctor, the Midwest is ahead of the Northeast in recording BA.4 and BA.5 cases, though a combination of the two have become the majority nationwide....