The new BA.5 is one of the “worst” subvariants circulating the country, infecting even those who have immunity from previous infections and vaccines. Those who are experiencing severe infection are unvaccinated people.
Symptoms of BA.5 are similar to previous COVID infections and includes fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue.
Reported COVID case numbers have remained steady with 36.1 new cases per 100,000, but hospitalizations with confirmed cases have jumped from the last week — at more than 4,000.
In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunocompromised people and those over 50 years old who had their first booster dose at least four months ago to get another mRNA booster.

Takeaway: Wear a mask