COVID-19 Cases On The Rise Across Oklahoma

The BA-5 COVID-19 subvariant is sweeping across Oklahoma and infecting thousands. The variant makes up about 86% of new cases nationally. 

The BA-5 subvariant appeared in early July, attacking immune systems of both vaccinated individuals and those who have already had an earlier strain of the virus. 

Experts with the Mayo Clinic say this variant is causing 5 times more infections. 

According to the State Department of Health, the weekly cases are 10,373. Dr. David Chansolme with Integris says even if you take an at-home test, let your doctor know you have tested positive for COVID-19. 

"There are therapeutics available even with people who are fully vaccinated. Particularly in people at risk for high risk," said Dr. Chansolme.  

President Joe Biden recently announced that he was reinfected with COVID after taking the emergency use authorized COVID-19 pill. 

"Paxlovid may not cure you. You may still have a rebound of symptoms or test positivity. But it worked if you did not end up in the hospital," said Dr. Celine Gounder, the Sr. Fellow at Kaiser Family Foundation. 

The BA-5 variant attacks the immune system differently, rather than a loss of taste and smell; it's more of a fever and sore throat.