CLINICAL EVALUATION OF OMICRON SUBVARIANT BA. 2- A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Abstract

Introduction- Omicron is subdivided into BA.1 and BA.2. BA.2 appears to be more transmissible by nature. The new BA.2 sub variant is 30% easier to spread than the original omicron variant. Among those who are infected, headache, sore/itchy throat, sneezing, runny nose, and general body soreness are the most prevalent symptoms. Dizziness and fatigue are two more Omicron BA.2 sub variant symptoms. The aim of the study to evaluate the clinical variability of the BA. 2 sub variant. Material and methods- A retrospective study was conducted from December 2021 – March 2022 at VRDL, department of microbiology, R. G Kar medical college and hospital. Clinical features, demographic status, comorbidity status was evaluated. Result - Common symptoms of BA.2 variants are headache, sore throat, fever, muscle pain shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, loss of taste, chest pain, diarrhea. Other unusual symptoms are chills, altered smell, eye soreness, swollen glands, rash, hoarse voice. The risk of severe disease was similarly lower for unvaccinated cases during the Omicron period, but it remained high for older persons and middle-aged men with comorbidities. Hospitalization was rare for this variant but affected more the unvaccinated infant group. However, future evolution of the BA.2 sub variant, as well as potential emergent sub variants, should be properly monitored.