What You Need to Know About Omicron BA-5

Posted by STN Admin on

Although it is fair to say that the COVID-19 pandemic is not anywhere close to what it was in 2020, that doesn’t mean the threat is over. In fact, the latest variant is causing an uprise in infections around the world.  

The latest is a variant of Omicron. Its spread started off quietly, but now it has gained more prominence as it has reached around the world. The World Health Organization has classified it as a “variant of concern”. And while so far it seemingly does not present the same level of danger compared to the original COVID-19 virus of 2020, it is starting to alarm health officials around the world. 

What is the Omicron BA-5 Subvariant? 

BA-5 along with BA-4 are subvariants of Omicron that first emerged from South Africa over a year ago. While BA-4 has made some progress, BA-5 has become far more prolific. And while the infection rate in South Africa has declined, this variant has been on the rise in Europe, most notably in Portugal. 

Of the different subvariants of Omicron, BA-5 seems to be the most transmissible. However, like Omicron itself the severity of the infections are considerably milder compared to the Delta variant and the original COVID outbreak of 2020. 

Hospitalizations & Death Caused by Omicron BA-5

The good news about the BA-5 variant is that while the number of people infected is growing daily, the number of those being hospitalized and dying from the virus is considerably smaller compared to previous variants.

This is the natural course of most viruses which start off in their most deadly forms. And once vaccines and immunization shots are delivered, change into less deadly, but more transmissible forms. This does not mean that people should lower their guard. BA-5 may still cause unforeseen complications in those who are unprotected.

Are Boosters Effective? 

Boosters for the COVID-19 virus are effective because they lower the severity of the symptoms that are experienced. However, they do not prevent a person from becoming infected. It should be noted that no vaccine prevents infection. What it does do is allow the body’s own immune system to react quickly to stop the infection right away thus minimizing the symptoms. 

We do not understand the long-term consequences for those infected by Omicron BA-5. But what is known is that for the most part, the symptoms appear to be mild for most, and in rare cases, there is a more serious reaction. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

Protecting those from the latest omicron variant and identifying and removing hazardous materials means hiring the right professionals. At Brickley Environmental, we have the knowledge, experience, skills, equipment, and products to ensure that dangers present in your place of work can be properly addressed.  

Call today and talk to our experts in the field. We will explain our services and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about using our services. Let Brickley Environmental help you protect those on your property today.  

For more information on Omicron BA-5, click here to visit the CDC website.

How to Protect Against COVID-19 Omicron Variant

Posted by STN Admin on

With the first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 confirmed in California in late November 2021, the state is now preparing for the rise in COVID cases that is sure to follow. While gathering information about this new variant, health officials are already urging people in the state to follow current guidelines. 

The best way to deal with the omicron is to avoid it as much as possible. Preventative methods are still the best insurance against the effects of omicron. People are urged to continue wearing masks and maintaining social distancing to minimize the chance of contact. 

Protection from Omicron

If you are not sure what to do to protect yourself against omicron, here are a few simple steps you can take to help: 

  • Get vaccinated & boosted: You should get the vaccination and if you qualify, get the booster. This will not prevent you from getting omicron, but the studies so far demonstrate that in most people, it will lessen the effects of the virus. Current studies show that the effects of omicron are generally minimal for healthy adults under the age of 65. Seniors and those with compromising health conditions can also benefit from becoming fully vaccinated. 
  • Wear a mask indoors: The virus spreads quickly indoors, therefore wear your mask indoors even if you have been vaccinated. By wearing a mask indoors, you can minimize the possibility of transmitting the virus. 
  • Wash hands frequently & maintain social distancing: The most common way that people catch viruses is when they place their hands or fingers near the mouth, nose, and eyes. By sanitizing the hands, it kills viruses that are present. 

Exposure to Omicron

Get tested as soon as you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. Stay at home if you test positive and maintain your social distancing even after you feel good enough to go back to work. Remember that the vaccine does not prevent the virus from infecting your body – it limits the symptoms which helps prevent a more serious condition from occurring. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

To assist in the fight against the COVID-19 omicron variant, you can contact the experts at Brickley Environmental. If you run a business, keeping your office or facility clean is paramount to its success. Let the experts at Brickley Environmental help you by giving them a call today. They have the knowledge, experience, and supplies to help lower the risk of dangerous viruses. They can ensure that you maintain a clean working environment. 

For more information surrounding the COVID-19 virus, click here to visit the CDC website.