Biden likely infected by BA.5 coronavirus variant, doctor says – PBS NewsHour

WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden likely contracted a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus spreading rapidly through the United States, and now has body aches and a sore throat since his positive test, according to an update from his doctor on Saturday.

The variant, known as BA.5, is an offshoot of the omicron strain that emerged late last year, and its believed to be responsible for the vast majority of coronavirus cases in the country.

WATCH:White House COVID coordinator faces questions after Biden tests positive

Dr. Kevin OConnor, the presidents physician, wrote in his latest update on Bidens condition that Bidens earlier symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, have become less troublesome. OConnors earlier notes did not mention the sore throat or body aches.

Bidens vital signs, such as blood pressure and respiratory rate, remain entirely normal, and his oxygen saturation levels are excellent with no shortness of breath at all, the doctor wrote.

OConnor said the results of the preliminary sequencing that indicated the BA.5 variant do not affect Bidens treatment plan in any way.

Biden tested positive for the virus on Thursday morning. He has been isolating in the White House residence since then. Administration officials have emphasized that his symptoms are mild because he has received four vaccine doses, and he started taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid after becoming infected.

During a virtual meeting with economic advisers on Friday, Biden was hoarse but insisted, I feel much better than I sound.

In his previous update on Bidens health, OConnor said the president had an elevated temperature of 99.4 F on Thursday evening, but it returned to normal after taking Tylenol.

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Biden likely infected by BA.5 coronavirus variant, doctor says - PBS NewsHour