What we know about the Omicron variant

Concerns are being expressed by people around the globe about the Omicron version of COVID-19. We have gathered all the relevant expert information and will keep updating this article as new information becomes available.

What is the Omicron version?
WHO has designated the Omicron variant COVID-19 a variant of concern based on evidence that it may be affected by several mutations. Omicron is still a mystery. There are many studies underway to determine its transmissibility, severity, and reinfection risk.

How did Omicron develop?
The likelihood of a virus spreading rapidly and causing many infections increases. The more chances a virus has of spreading, the greater chance it will undergo mutations.

Omicron, a new variant of COVID-19, is a reminder that the COVID-19 epidemic is not over. People must receive the vaccine as soon as possible and follow all existing recommendations on how to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes physical distancing, wearing masks, and ventilating indoor spaces well-ventilated.

It is crucial that vaccines, and other public health measures, are available everywhere. COVID-19 is at the mercy of countries with lower incomes due to vaccine inequity. Many of these are in Africa. Vaccine inequity means that countries with adequate supplies must immediately deliver the doses promised.

Is the Omicron variant available?
Omicron has been found in many countries. WHO says Omicron is likely to be present in many countries, even though it hasn’t been found yet.

Is Omicron more severe than other COVID-19 variations?
Omicron is less severe than another variant. However, early findings suggest otherwise. WHO warns that Omicron should not be dismissed as mild. These studies are ongoing, and more information will be added as it becomes available.

It is important that you remember that any variant of COVID-19 could cause death or severe illness, even the Delta variant. This is why it is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and to reduce your exposure.

Is Omicron more contagious than the Omicron variant?
Omicron is spreading faster than other variants. WHO believes that Omicron is more likely to spread than the Delta variant if COVID-19 transmission is present in the community.

But, it is important to get vaccinated. We know that these precautions have proven effective against other variants of COVID-19.

Is there a different Omicron variant?
It is not known if Omicron may cause COVID-19 symptoms that are different from those of other COVID-19 variants.

Is the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 vaccine effective?
Researchers are investigating the potential effect of the Omicron variant on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. Although the information is limited, it appears that vaccines may have a slight decrease in effectiveness against severe illness or death and that they might also be less effective at preventing mild diseases and infections. The WHO says that the vaccines currently available offer substantial protection against severe diseases and death.

To protect yourself against other variants that are widely circulated, like the Delta one, it is important to get vaccinated. Make sure you get vaccinated when it is your turn. To ensure maximum protection, you should receive both doses of your vaccine.

Although some people with COVID-19 recovery may be able to develop natural immunity, it is not known how long or how effective this protection is. Vaccines provide more reliable protection.

Is the current COVID-19 test able to detect Omicron variants?
Omicron is still being detected by the widely-used PCR and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests.

Is Omicron more common in children?
Omicron’s transmissibility is being investigated. People who mix socially with those who have not been vaccinated are more likely to contract COVID-19.