The omicron subvariant dominating U.S. COVID-19 cases is more vaccine-resistant
The BA.5 strain represented 65% of cases from July 3 to 9, according to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
omicron
A new dominant omicron strain in the U.S. is driving up cases — and reinfections
BA.5 is now the dominant omicron strain in the U.S. It's good at evading the immune system, though doesn't appear to cause more serious illness.
Coronavirus FAQ: Can I get COVID outdoors? (With printable poster on how to cut risks)
We've heard for months that chances of catching SARS-CoV-2 outdoors are far less than indoors. Is that still true with highly contagious omicron strains? And if it is, what can you do to stay safe?
FDA says COVID boosters for the fall must target newer omicron types
With immunity waning and the super-contagious omicron family of variants getting better at dodging protection, the Food and Drug Administration decided boosters intended for fall needed an update.
FDA advisers recommend updating COVID booster shots for the fall
The Food and Drug Administration will have to decide the exact recipe, but a combination shot is expected that adds protection against a version of the omicron variant to the original vaccine.
Pfizer says its tweaked COVID-19 shots boost protection against the omicron variant
Pfizer said that tweaking its vaccine to better target the omicron variant is safe and works — just days before regulators debate whether to offer Americans updated booster shots this fall.
Omicron poses about half the risk of long COVID as delta, new research finds
Some scientists estimate that cases of long COVID from omicron will still rise, however, because of high transmissibility and the misconception that people don't have to worry about catching it.
Coronavirus FAQ: I got COVID. Then I got it again. What's the deal with reinfection?
People who catch COVID may feel as if they won't get it again, at least not for a long time. Their immune system should be primed to fight it off in the future. Right? Well, let's see.
Coronavirus FAQ: Should I go to that party? What do I do if guests got COVID?
Whether it's a wedding, graduation or meeting, indoor events can spread the virus. Here's a complete guide: what to ponder before going, how to cut risks while there, what to do if cases crop up.
If you've had omicron before, are you safe from infection by the new variants?
New versions of omicron are circulating in the United States and South Africa. Two new studies shed light on the potential for future surges — and the risk factor if you've already had omicron.