According to recent reports, it appears that the BA.2.86 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus may exhibit a lower level of contagiousness and a reduced capacity to evade immunity, although the overall risk remains relatively low.
It is important to note that individuals who are currently pregnant or have recently experienced pregnancy face an elevated susceptibility to severe COVID-19 illness compared to their non-pregnant counterparts. Furthermore, pregnant individuals who contract COVID-19 are at an increased risk of preterm birth (delivering the baby prior to 37 weeks of gestation), stillbirth, and potentially other pregnancy-related complications. The presence of specific underlying medical conditions and other relevant factors can further heighten the likelihood of severe COVID-19 illness both during pregnancy and within 42 days following the conclusion of pregnancy.
Covid Data tracker for US
- COVID-19 HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS (PAST WEEK) 15,067
- TOTAL DEATHS 1,139,457
- COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States-152,508,460
To mitigate these risks, it is strongly recommended that individuals in these categories receive a COVID-19 vaccination, as this can effectively prevent severe illness, mortality, and pregnancy-related complications linked to the virus. This vaccination is advised for pregnant individuals, those who are breastfeeding, individuals actively trying to conceive, as well as those who may consider pregnancy in the future. Furthermore, it is recommended that all eligible individuals, including those in the aforementioned groups, should receive a booster dose. While consulting with a healthcare professional regarding vaccination is beneficial, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Moreover, individuals who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant, as well as those who share living spaces or interact closely with them, should take appropriate precautions to shield themselves from contracting COVID-19. Additionally, there are resources and tools accessible to aid pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and new parents caring for infants in safeguarding their health. These resources also facilitate effective communication with individuals serving these communities.
