Researchers are still trying to figure out what will happen with both the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 spreading simultaneously. Now, new lab-based data are suggesting that the newer variant, Omicron, might bring one silver lining: It could help individuals who contract it defend against the prior variant, Delta. As Omicron continues to rapidly spread, accounting for the majority of new COVID cases, it's become abundantly clear that there are some clear differences between Omicron and Delta.
1. Omicron is more transmissible than Delta
The Omicron rates have surged far faster than Delta. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that Omicron makes up 95% of COVID cases in this country and it is highly affecting children. Many U.S. hospitals have reached capacity and workforces have been gutted by rising COVID cases among employees
The American Academy of Pediatrics reported a stunning rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases. "COVID-19 cases among U.S. children have reached the highest case count ever reported since the start of the pandemic," the report said.
"For the week ending December 30th, over 325,000 child COVID-19 cases were reported. This number is a 64 percent increase over the 199,000 added cases reported the week ending December 23rd and an almost doubling of case counts from the two weeks prior."
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2. Omicron infections are less severe than Delta
More than six studies have found that Omicron is milder than the Delta variant and others.
While previous variants have scarred the lungs and caused breathing difficulties in humans, several studies with mice and hamsters have found that the variant caused much milder symptoms. This included research in Syrian hamsters, which had been found to become severely ill with other variants, the Times reported.
"This was surprising, since every other variant has robustly infected these hamsters," Dr. Michael Diamond, a virologist at Washington University and a co-author of that study, told the Times.
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Scientists found that the animals infected with Omicron were less likely to die, in addition to losing less weight and having less lung damage.
3. Vaccines, especially boosters, provide substantial protection against severe infection
While the Omicron variant appears wily enough to evade people's antibodies, researchers report that it should have a much harder time slipping past a person's T-cells.
The Omicron variant is three times more likely to cause reinfections compared to the Delta or Beta strain, according to a preliminary study by South African scientists. This is why vaccines and boosters are strongly encouraged to protect against Omicron.
Compared with Delta, Omicron has a lower vaccine efficiency.
However, it can still provide a protective benefit against Omicron, especially among those who have gotten their booster shots.
Even if you do get infected with the virus, vaccines can prevent you from severe infection and hospitalization.
Those who are eligible, are urged to get the shots as soon as possible.
Scientists are currently working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. According to the CDC, based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
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Who Should Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Here is what you should know about getting vaccinated, according to the CDC:
- COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older.
- Moderately or severely immunocompromised people who are ages 12 years and older and received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine series or ages 18 years and older and received a Moderna primary vaccine series should receive an additional primary dose of the same vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.
- Everyone ages 18 years and older who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should get a booster shot. Learn more about booster shots.
