
This difference in transmissibility appears to be much smaller than, for example, the difference between BA.1 and Delta. Studies are ongoing to understand the reasons for this growth advantage, but initial data suggest that BA.2 appears inherently more transmissible than BA.1, which currently remains the most common Omicron sublineage reported. Studies have shown that BA.2 has a growth advantage over BA.1. At a global level, the proportion of reported sequences designated BA.2 has been increasing relative to BA.1 in recent weeks, however the global circulation of all variants is reportedly declining.īA.2 differs from BA.1 in its genetic sequence, including some amino acid differences in the spike protein and other proteins.

Of them, the most common ones are BA.1, BA.1.1 (or Nextstrain clade 21K) and BA.2 (or Nextstrain clade 21L). Omicron is made up of several sublineages, each of them being monitored by WHO and partners. The Omicron variant of concern is currently the dominant variant circulating globally, accounting for nearly all sequences reported to GISAID. The group emphasized that BA.2 should continue to be monitored as a distinct sublineage of Omicron by public health authorities. The NHS recently updated its recognised Covid-19 symptoms beyond the three it originally said.As part of its on-going work to track variants, WHO's Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution ( TAG-VE) met yesterday to discuss the latest evidence on the Omicron variant of concern, including its sublineages BA.1 and BA.2.īased on available data of transmission, severity, reinfection, diagnostics, therapeutics and impacts of vaccines, the group reinforced that the BA.2 sublineage should continue to be considered a variant of concern and that it should remain classified as Omicron.



The researchers, who were from several hospitals and institutions, said: “The mechanism underlying these associations remains unclear, but it has been hypothesized that lack of sleep and sleep disorders may adversely influence the immune system by increasing proinflammatory cytokines and histamines.” What about long Covid?Įxperts also believe there is a connection between long Covid and insomnia. “Proportionally, more of those with Covid-19 reported daily burnout than did those without the infection: 31 (5.5 per cent) compared with 71 (3 per cent),” the study added. The BMJ added: “Around 1 in 4 of those with Covid-19 reported difficulties sleeping at night compared with around 1 in 5 (21% 495) of those without the infection.”Īnd one in 20 of those with Covid-19 said they had three or more sleep problems, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or needing to use sleeping pills on three or more nights of the week, compared with 65 of those without the infection.Ĭompared with those who had no sleep problems, those with three had 88% greater odds of Covid-19 infection.
