In November 2021, almost two years after the first COVID-19 case, the world is grappling with the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
Omicron, labeled as B.1.1.529 by WHO, is currently the variant of concern due to reports of increased transmissibility. From the news we follow, South Africa is currently the zone of concern with regard to the spread of Omicron.
However, the virus is also taking its turns with European regions, where the UK currently stands with over 11,000 confirmed cases of Omicron.
Understanding Omicron As a Variant Of Concern
The Omicron variant is being cited as a less concerning variant so far. The majority of the cases of the new COVID-19 variant are displaying mild symptoms. However, this was a prediction of the Delta variant as well, making it early to predict outcomes of the Omicron as of yet.
Due to the time the virus has had to evolve, some features of the Omicron include its ability to form a stronger bond to the cells it infects. Omicron is being studied to multiply quicker in comparison to its predecessors. It is observed to replicate in higher volumes within the lining of the respiratory passages rather than the lungs itself.
These are the cells from where the viral particles eventually spread.
The new COVID-19 variant has been noted to navigate through some of the host’s immune defenses: the antibodies. Which ultimately means that a weakened immune system might not be able to withstand even a small viral burden. This is also a notable feature to consider when understanding whether the vaccines being taken globally can indeed have an impact against Omicron.
Studies that have tested mutations within SARS-CoV-2 observed mutations within the viral spike proteins assist mutants against neutralizing antibodies. These are the antibodies present in vaccines or through a previous COVID-19 infection.
However, studies such as these can also help engineer antibodies that might help reduce the transmission of Omicron.
Identifying Omicron Infection
With its ability to possibly navigate through the host’s immune defenses, even among those who have been vaccinated, there is an increased threat towards reinfection.
It is likely those who have been vaccinated will have a milder form of the COVID-19 infection. However, immune status is only a variable against the possible outcomes of being infected with Omicron.
Most of the reports coming out of South Africa document Omicron as resulting in mild flu-like symptoms when compared to the recent catastrophic Delta variant. Many of the clinical cases of Omicron present, if in the initial phases, with a scratchy or sore throat. This can be accompanied by dry cough, congestion, and body aches.
Among the unvaccinated, symptoms such as headaches and myalgias stay longer, says the reports coming out of South Africa.
Even though most of the news cites Omicron as mild, dismissing it as so would be a mistake in these early phases. Primarily because the virus is proven to be evolving.
Omicron is documented in 77 countries around the globe, indicating its high rate of transmission.
Would I Need A Booster Shot of COVID-19 Vaccine?
The short answer to this is, yes.
However, there are complexities still in the pipeline of this equation.
Among those who have received two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, there is almost 70% protection against severe illnessrequiring hospitalization. This is a dip from the 90% associated with the Delta wave. But in this case, we need to consider that during the Delta wave, only a fraction of the global population was vaccinated.
Today, people who have the potential of being severely affected by Omicron, are unvaccinated. This makes completing the initial vaccination doses a need of the hour.
Due to the reduced protection against Omicron, a third shot of the vaccine is being considered. However, questions arise, if the initial two doses didn’t provide immunity, why would a third?
A simple logic to this is, with every vaccine dose administered, the immune system receives a signal to increase and fine-tune its defenses against a particular pathogen. A third shot would encourage the immune system to evolve itself to bind firmly to the virus, diminishing its impact on our body. Additionally, antibody titers increase with subsequent shots.
Our Future With COVID-19 Variants
According to WHO, we are in our fifth COVID-19 variant. This is through the evolution of the virus in the short span of two years. With every new variant, we observe breakthrough epidemics, as underway in South Africa and the UK, with Omicron.
This essentially implies that the virus is not slowing down, but evolving as we speak.
What is keeping up with the pace of the virus, is our ability to identify these new strains, and study their efficiency from the previous variant. This alone will not be enough to curb the COVID-19 pandemic even in the year to come.
There are still many questions that Omicron poses, primarily due to its limited severity. However, it should not be dismissed and should be considered as a variant of concern.
Vaccinations should continue. There should be an urgency to roll out two doses of vaccine so that the booster can be considered for global circulation. If not, a vaccine shortage can result which had devastating effects when the Delta variant made a wave throughout the world.
Protecting Against Omicron
A simple way to tackle the spread of Omicron is to be diligent with COVID-19 protocols. The ones in place are masking up, washing hands regularly, and maintaining social distance. Avoid unnecessary gatherings, especially in enclosed spaces.
Additionally, if you have not been vaccinated, reach out to your nearest vaccination center and get your shot.
It is crucial to understand that we are still far from the end in the fight against COVID-19. While the world is making its baby steps towards a new normal, we still have a long way to go.
Health + Wellness+ Science Research Editor at Caring Worldwide
Experience
Dr. Michelle Frank, Doctor of Medicine by degree, Michelle is a healthcare consultant working towards building safe online health communities for women within the digital space. She is currently the Director of Health & Wellness at Naima, which is an online pregnancy ecosystem for women. She resides in India, exploring different cities and opportunities as they arise. Feel free to join in for #MyHealthChat which she co-hosts every alternate Thursday on Twitter.