The infectious disease expert admits that much is unknown, but he offers advice on keeping safe.
It's better to be safe than sorry: That's the word from virus researchers on Omicron, a new COVID variation that appears to be quite transmissible and could be more hazardous than Delta. Use caution until we know how serious it is. What exactly must you accomplish, and what must you understand about Omicron? At COVID press conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the President's principal medical advisor and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, revealed everything. Continue reading for all five critical pieces of advice—and to ensure your own and others' health.
1. Dr. Fauci Said This is What Makes Omicron So Different
What distinguishes Omicron from the rest of the pack? "This is a really uncommon constellation of modifications across the SARS-CoV-2 genome," Dr. Fauci said, "with more than 30 of them in the key spike protein, which is the virus's business end, particularly in its receptor binding domain, where there were roughly 10 mutations." "This mutational profile differs significantly from that of other variants of interest or concern. And, while some of the mutations are found in Delta, this isn't Delta—something it's else entirely. Increased transmissibility and immune innovation have been linked to these alterations. Other mutations, on the other hand, have yet to be described in terms of their functional potential."
2. Dr. Fauci Said It Would Take Weeks to Determine the Mutation's Dangerousness
The mutation is being tracked, according to Fauci. "We now have continual communication and information sharing between our scientists and public health officials and the South African government, and thanks to them for being exceptional, helpful, and transparent in providing information with us at various times. " How long will we have any significant information?" It will take two to four weeks, potentially a little sooner, depending on how quickly the specimens arrive. I mean, the virus gets to individual investigators at the CDC and the NIH, and even in other countries, to prepare that, to be able to make a determination, and until these data come in, the effect of this variant on transmission, disease severity, and how well current vaccine treatments work remains speculative, regardless of what we're hearing in the press."
3. Dr. Fauci Said This About Omicron Vaccine Effectiveness
"Let's start with what we know and what we don't know about transmission," Dr. Fauci added. "Obviously, when you look at the molecular configuration of those particular variants, it strongly suggests that there's increased transmission compared to the original pandemic virus, but it's difficult to infer what the relationship between this transmissibility and Delta is, although you can suggest that it might be more, we won't know until we see how this evolves."
"How about vaccination efficacy?" he inquired. "Obviously, there are large reductions in neutralizing titers that can be achieved. That's because the mutations point to immunological evasion. But, as with other polymorphisms, keep in mind that, while partial immune escape is possible, immunizations, particularly boosters, provide a level of antibody that, even with mutations like Delta, provides some significant protection, particularly against severe disease. So, when we talk about boosters, there's every reason to expect that if you reach a certain level, you'll receive at least some cross protection, especially against serious disease."
4. Dr. Fauci Said This About The Severity Of Omicron's Disease
"What about the severity of the disease? Again, these are estimations, and given the tiny number of cases, it's difficult to say whether or not this specific mutation will cause serious disease. According to preliminary data from South Africa, the variation is not connected with any distinctive symptoms. We don't know, and it's too soon to speculate."
5. Dr. Fauci Explained How to Protect Yourself from Omicron
