Buzz
Omicron is the newest strain of the virus responsible for COVID-19. Just like Delta, it has been classified by the World Health Organization as a 'Variant of Concern,' which is a more serious category than 'Variant of Interest.' Similar to Delta, Omicron is spreading rapidly. Recently, there was a surge in cases in South Africa, and the variant has since been detected in cities like New York, Hawaii, California, Minnesota, and Colorado.
So, while Omicron is definitely on the radar of public health officials, it hasn’t drastically altered the existing guidelines for managing COVID. The WHO still advises the use of masks, proper ventilation, physical distancing, and vaccinations as the most effective measures.
How dangerous is the Omicron variant?
Omicron caught the attention of public health officials due to its rapid spread in several southern African nations and because of its numerous genetic mutations, which could be cause for concern, though we’re still uncertain about the severity. It’s not making headlines due to extreme danger, but because it’s concerning and new.
This is an example of why it’s important not to name diseases or variants after locations: earlier in the pandemic, there was another 'South African variant' that had no connection to this one. Omicron likely didn’t originate in South Africa, it’s just been studied in-depth by the country’s researchers.
As per the World Health Organization:
Omicron could potentially spread more easily than other variants, but it’s still uncertain.
It might lead to more severe illness than other variants, but once again, that’s not yet confirmed.
Vaccines still appear to be effective against severe disease and death, though we don’t know if their effectiveness is reduced against mild illness.
Omicron is detectable with current COVID tests.
COVID treatments such as corticosteroids and IL6 receptor blockers remain effective. The effectiveness of other treatments is still unknown.
Early evidence suggests that prior infections may not offer strong protection against re-infection with Omicron.
What steps should I take?
Our current strategies remain effective, as far as we know. Vaccines play a crucial role. Evidence suggests that current vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness and death, and they are likely to be effective against less severe cases of Omicron as well. (It's also important to remember that Delta and other variants are still circulating.)
In fact, the emergence of this new variant may make getting vaccinated even more critical. If you’ve previously had COVID and believed you were immune, you might be more vulnerable to Omicron than earlier strains. Vaccines continue to protect both you and those around you for the same reasons as before. Don’t forget, vaccines are available to everyone aged 5 and older, so make sure to get your shot if you haven’t already.
