COVID-19 Omicron BA.2, BA.4, BA.5… What you should know if you are traveling

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The coronavirus is a constantly mutating pathogen, giving rise to new variants and a never-ending pandemic. While authorities and health officials are working to keep a particular mutation under control, new variants emerge. For instance, in the first months of 2022, the Omicron BA.2 variant was the dominant strain in various countries across the globe. Now, experts are speaking about BA.4 and BA.5, two new strains which are expected to prevail in the coming months.

After the Omicron BA.2 variant, BA.4 and BA.5 are gradually becoming the dominant strains in various countries across the globe. Known to be more transmissible than previous strains, they might also be more dangerous since they can circumvent antibodies. This warrants the necessary precautions when traveling. Those infected with Covid-19 can travel on the air ambulances or private jets of Medical Air Service.

Omicron BA.2 - the end of its era?

The beginning of this year saw the rapid spread of Omicron BA.2. This is a subvariant of Omicron BA.1, but genetically different, it is more transmissible. This mutation soon became the predominant strain in the US and in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, despite its rapid rate of contagion, BA.2 was considered to be less dangerous than previous Covid-19 strains.

Even while this strain was under investigation, another sublineage, called BA.2.12.1 emerged, gradually taking over dominance when it comes to the maximum number of Covid-19 cases in the US.

According to researchers, the Covid-19 virus will keep mutating and this is not a surprising fact. Nathan Grubaugh, an epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health, advanced, “Omicron is not going to be the last one. As long as there is a COVID-19 outbreak somewhere in the world, there is going to be something new that emerges”.

The rise of COVID-19 BA.4 and BA.5 virus

Despite the fact that the Omicron BA.2 variant is still a threat, more worrying strains have emerged and are quickly becoming the dominant strain: BA.4 and BA.5. These variants were first detected in South Africa in the beginning of the year and since then, have spread very rapidly to other parts of the world. In mid-June, these variants made up over 21% of cases in the US and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it could soon become the dominant strain in the country.

The same trend is being noticed in the UK and in other European countries as well. In fact, BA.5 has already become the dominant strain in Portugal. According to researchers, the rapid spread of BA.5 in Portual should raise alarms, considering that the country has “one of the most highly vaccinated populations worldwide, especially when it comes to boosters”.

Risks of the BA.4 and BA.5 COVID-19 variants

Distinct from previous strains of the coronavirus, BA.4 and BA.5 are believed to be more contagious than previous versions of Omicron. Even in mid-May, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control identified these mutations as “variants of concerns”.

The real cause of concern comes from the fact that both BA.4 and BA.5 have proven capable of escaping antibodies created by past coronavirus infections or vaccinations. To put it simply, they are able to circumvent the immnunity that both governments and individuals have been working to achieve through vaccines and other precautionary measures. With diverging opinions on whether BA.5 and BA.5 may cause more severe disease, there is consensus on the fact that “no one is fully protected” against those. In fact, experts have recommended to remain on the lookout for hospitalization rates and the severity of infections caused by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.

Governments across the world, Germany and the UK leading the game, are advising their citizens of potential infection risks. There are concerns being raised about a considerable increase in the number of cases in the coming months, with travel plans, large gatherings and people being susceptible to reinfection.

Precautions to take against BA.4 and BA.5 COVID-19 strain

Considering the fact that the BA.4 and BA.5 are highly transmissible, those with travel plans in these coming months should be extra careful to avoid a potential infection. What are some of the precautionary steps that you can take to prevent a Covid-19 infection, especially if you intend to travel?

• Wear your mask: Keep wearing your mask, at the airport, in the plane and in crowded places even if it is not mandatory
• Constantly sanitize: Do not forget to keep sanitizing/ washing your hands, every time you are out
• Get a second booster: Those eligible are recommended to get their second booster, especially vulnerable individuals over the age of 65 or those with underlying conditions.
• Check the local health department data of the country you are going to: Always keep an eye out on the number of cases in the country you are planning to visit. If the numbers are too high, it is best to change the destination or postpone your travel plans.
• Isolate yourself if you are sick: If you are sick, or show any COVID-19-related symptoms, it is better to stay at home and isolate yourself.

Flying with BA.2, BA.4, BA.5 or any other COVID-19 strain

Regardless of the COVID-19 mutation, if you are infected with coronavirus, you will not be allowed onboard a commercial plane. Airliners across the world are going to take precautionary steps to prevent the further spread of the virus, and more importantly, to protect other passengers and crew members. Thus, flying commercially with COVID-19 is virtually impossible, especially if you demonstrate symptoms of an infection. In fact, screening procedures might prevent you from boarding the plane even if you have just a fever which is above normal average temperature.

However, remaining in isolation in a foreign country is not the only option for COVID-19 patients. Medical Air Service has air ambulances and private jets at the disposal of those infected with the virus while on holiday or on business abroad.

How does Medical Air Service conduct COVID-19 flights?

Medical Air Service is an expert air ambulance service provider that focusses on patients’ safety first. Constantly investing in the latest technologies and adapting to external changes, we make sure to equip our air ambulances with the necessary equipment to safely transport patients based on their specific medical condition.

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, we deploy special isolation shells for patients who are infected with COVID-19. These act as a form of seclusive device ensuring the safe transfer of both the patients and others around. Onboard a COVID-19 medical flight are a doctor and a paramedic, who are going to oversee the patient’s condition and administer treatment via ports in the isolation device if needed.

Medical Air Service provides an all-inclusive bed-to-bed service, which takes care of the transfers to and from the hospital in both countries, while remaining complaint with regulations in regards to isolation. This ensures that the patient does not have to worry about ground transportation.

Moreover, Medical Air Service has private jets for asymptomatic patients. These enable the patient to travel in isolation since no one will be onboard the flight, with the added benefit of being able to schedule take-off as per your schedule.

Contact us for an air ambulance if you have COVID-19

To book an air ambulance flight for COVID-19 patients with Medical Air Service, get in touch with our aviation agents. We have agents working round the clock to assist you and to organise a medical flight for you, wherever you are across the globe