Just after the world was hit with the highly contagious delta variant, along comes omicron.
Much remains unknown about the variant first detected in South Africa, but it sent the world into a tailspin just after Thanksgiving, causing markets to plummet and some travel to grind to a halt.
Here is all we know about the omicron variant:
What is the omicron variant?Omicron is a mutation of coronavirus that was first detected by scientists in South Africa. It has greater than 30 mutations in the spike protein of the virus, which can sometimes cause the virus to be more contagious, more severe or immune-evading.
Is omicron more contagious?It remains unknown if the variant is more contagious, more severe, or whether it can escape our immunity.
Can I catch the omicron variant?The omicron variant has not been officially detected yet in the United States. However, many public health experts say it is likely already here. Anyone is susceptible to catching omicron; however, unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk for getting it.
Can vaccines protect against omicron?Yes. Even if the variant does have immune-evading properties, getting vaccinated and boosted creates enough antibodies to remain in a range of protection, according to the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Drug companies such as Pfizer and Moderna have already stated they are working on omicron-specific boosters, if they are needed. If we do need omicron boosters, they wouldn’t be available for a few months, according to White House COVID-19 Response Team Coordinator Jeff Zients.
Fauci said, “Although partial immune escape may occur, vaccines and particularly boosters give a level of antibody that even with variants like delta, give you a degree of cross-protection, particularly against severe disease.”
Can coronavirus tests detect omicron?Widely used PCR and rapid antigen coronavirus tests will pick up on the omicron variant, according to preliminary findings from the Food and Drug Administration.
How can I avoid getting the omicron variant?The same measures to prevent coronavirus spread in general can be used to prevent the spread of omicron. Social distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands, getting vaccinated and getting a booster are all effective methods of avoiding omicron spread.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said, “We have the tools and surveillance in place to identify the omicron variant. We also have the tools to prevent omicron from increasing the strain on our society and our health care system.”
Why do variants keep popping up?Every time there is a new case of coronavirus, there is a chance for a mutation to occur because the virus wants to survive and thrive. Until coronavirus cases are under control worldwide, there will continue to be variants.
What are the symptoms of the omicron variant?It remains unclear if omicron symptoms are different than those of a typical coronavirus infection. Some initial reports from doctors in South Africa have noted mild flu-like illness, fatigue, body aches, fever and dry cough.
When will we know more about omicron?In two to four weeks. Health agencies in the United States and abroad must receive omicron specimen and grow it in a lab to perform testing and get more answers about transmissibility and severity.
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