The ‘mu’ variant has made its way to Arizona, although the delta variant remains the dominant strain in the state.
Dr. Joshua LaBaer with ASU tells us that currently this variant is a variant of interest and not a concern.
At least … not yet.
“We should be prepared at least to some extent for mu, but most importantly in general,” he told ABC15.
This is because, he says, as people get infected, it is inevitable that another variant will come out.
“Sooner or later there will be, mathematically, another variant that will come and be transmissible and evade the immune system,” he added.
While the mu variant is not dominant in Arizona, Dr. LaBaer says that doesn’t mean it can’t spread.
“The virus can infect even vaccinated people to some extent. These are what we call advanced cases, ”he told ABC15.
He says that before all variants, people with a vaccine would be protected, ten times, and now they see advanced cases.
“We are seeing now that there are enough advanced cases … this ratio is about five to one. Something that says it puts children at risk, the fastest growing population group for the contraction of COVID-19,” said Dr. LaBaer. “This young age group is where it is spreading very quickly, in part because kids are probably in school and because there isn’t that much mask used.
He also says that the fact that some are not old enough to get the vaccine is also a contributing factor.
This is what he says is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family.
“We should be vaccinated. When we are indoors and close by, we should wear masks. And then, of course, keep social distancing wherever you can, ”he added.