During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several variants have emerged. Just last month a new variant, Omicron, has emerged. Due to all the concerns around Omicron, we sat down with Dr. Josephine Young, Medical Director at Premera, to get answers to common questions around the new variant.
What is the Omicron variant and how is it different than other variants of COVID-19?
The omicron variant is the latest variant of concern in this pandemic. It has a large number of mutations or changes in the spike protein, which is the part of the virus that attaches to our cells in an infection. The spike protein is also what the antibodies generated by the vaccines are targeting. If there is enough change in the spike protein such that the antibodies are not as well matched to it, the protection against the omicron variant will not be as strong from the vaccines. Also, the antibodies from a natural infection to an earlier variant may also not be as strong because of the differences in the spike protein.
What makes this variant concerning?
This variant is concerning because it is responsible for increasing cases at a faster rate than from any previous variant, including the delta variant. In the few weeks since it was initially identified, it is now present in more than 70 countries and more than 35 states. It is rapidly becoming the dominant variant in certain European and South African areas and expected to continue to rise across Europe and other countries, including the US. Breakthrough infections have included omicron and increased reinfection risks for those with previous natural COVID infections have been noted.
Should we be stepping up our mask usage?
A well-fitting mask is a very easy and effective way to protect yourself and others. It remains true, for this and any other virus, that you cannot become infected if you are not exposed to it. Masks have been proven to add an additional barrier to being infected by the virus. For everyone 2 years of age and older, wearing a mask indoors in public places. Consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact (less than 6 feet) with others that are unvaccinated or for whom their vaccine status is unknown. You can protect others by wearing a mask because you may be developing an illness and not know it yet. Wearing a mask routinely will prevent you from accidentally infecting someone else. The added benefit is that mask wearing will also protect you from other contagious illnesses such as the flu and colds that are usually present this time of year.
Are vaccinated people protected against this variant? What about boosters?
At this point in time, individuals who are fully vaccinated have some protection against the omicron variant, although it is not as strong as against the delta variant. Those who are fully vaccinated and have received a booster see much greater protection against omicron variant, although still lower than against delta variant in general. The greatest protection is against severe illness, hospitalizations and death, which are the primary goals of the vaccine. The greatest risk of infection and related severe illness from omicron, as with delta, is for unvaccinated individuals.
How contagious is this variant compared to other strains of COVID-19?
At this time, omicron appears to be more contagious than delta but we don’t know by exactly how much.
Speaking of boosters, how long will it take for an Omicron booster to be developed?
In general, once a decision to make a new mRNA vaccine is made, it has been estimated to take 100 days to manufacture. However, there is no current indication that a new booster targeted specifically for omicron is warranted nor is there one being developed.
What would you recommend to people for holiday plans? What does it look like to travel and gather with friends and family safely?
Consider where you are going: Are there a lot of cases there? Is it increasing or decreasing?
Consider how you will get there and back: Will it take a long time? Will you be in with public crowds with unknown vaccine status or possible illness?
Consider who you will be with: Do you know them? Are they vaccinated? Have a history of COVID infection?
Consider the combination of risks posed by answers to each of the questions above and then make your decision to travel or not based on how important it is to make the trip and how that stacks up against the potential risks for your particular travel plans.
With two new virus variants popping up in the past year, when do you predict life will return to normal?
Given the rising cases from yet another variant, any future normal is anticipated to be a new normal that will include COVID, vaccines and boosters, and a range of treatment options for those that are infected depending upon severity of illness. We are still very much in the midst of a pandemic and a return to a non-pandemic time is still a while off.
What advice would you give to workplaces that are trying to bring workers back in office?
With a new variant causing a rise in cases that is faster than ever before, unless companies have changing needs that make it imperative for current remote workers to be back in office, it would be prudent to wait and see how omicron plays out over the next month or two before setting any specific return to office dates.
As information develops on COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, we suggest staying up to date on recommendations and news from the CDC.