The coronavirus is developing at an alarmingly high pace. Recently, the omicron variant has BA. 5 been dominant in Norway. Now the descendants threaten to take over the virus throne. If you become infected later this winter, it is probably these who you will want to make a closer acquaintance with. Department director Are Stuwitz Berg in the Institute of Public Health. Photo: Torstein Bøe – It seems that new sub-varieties will also take over in Norway. We follow the development of new variants closely, says department director Are Stuwitz Berg at the Institute of Public Health. The new variants have managed to become dominant in the US in record time, and the World Health Organization has put a number of the omikron versions on its watch list. – Does not cause more serious illness According to FHI’s weekly report, it is the so-called BQ. 1.1 variant which is now spreading the fastest, especially in Oslo. This version of the virus has been shown to be able to evade the immune system better than previous variants. – The vaccines probably have an even worse effect on this variant. What can FHI say about any consequences, if this takes over here in Norway this winter? – It is the virus’s ability to cause serious illness that we pay particular attention to. There is currently nothing to suggest that BQ. 1 or subvariants cause more severe disease than omicron BA. 5, says Stuwitz Berg. – Can expect more infected Also the variant BA. 2 recombinant XBB, is on the rise in the Oslo area. This is a hybrid, which has genetic material from two previous varieties. It has caused concern in Singapore, where it quickly became dominant. Both of the new omicron versions have mutations in the spike protein, which make it more difficult for the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus. Thus, the virus becomes better able to infect people, despite previous disease or vaccination. Should you take a booster dose of the vaccine this winter? Yes, I want to be on the safe side. No, not if it is not recommended for my age group Show result A large study of the effect of the new booster vaccines showed that they protect well against the omicron variants that have been dominant until now. How effective they are against new BQ. 1.1 is still unclear, but its close relationship to BA. 5 can work in the booster’s favor. – If this takes over after omikron BA. 5 which dominates now, we can expect more people infected, but those who are recommended to take a refresher dose now this autumn will have good protection against serious illness. Protection against serious illness is to a lesser extent affected by changes in the virus, says Stuwitz Berg.
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The coronavirus is developing – now these virus variants are taking over – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
