New coronavirus variant is the most contagious yet. What can you do to protect yourself?

A new coronavirus strain called BA.5 is the most transmissible variant yet and is contributing to a new surge in cases and hospitalizations, in part due to its ability to evade some immunity. Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, infectious disease physician with Boston Medical Center, and Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of Brigham and Women’s Hospital infectious disease division, spoke with Jim Braude about whether this particular variant is cause for concern. They said it remains unclear if BA.5 is more severe, and previous immunity in the population is on our side, but it’s important to continue to vaccinate and mask up.

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