We're doing an update on Omicron in Science in 5 today.
Hello, I'm Vismita Gupta-Smith and we are talking to
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove.
Is Omicron more severe?
Is it more transmissible?
And how can you protect yourself?
Welcome, Maria.
Maria, what do we know so far about the transmissibility of Omicron?
So, thanks Vismita for having me.
We're learning a lot about the Omicron variant every day.
In terms of transmissibility, we are seeing a really
increased growth rate of Omicron over other variants of concern.
These are some of the sharpest increases that we've seen to date.
We do know that it has what we call a growth
advantage over Delta.
And what this means is that we're seeing a large increase
in cases where Omicron is detected.
At the time of filming this, Omicron has been detected in
more than 77 countries, but it's likely that it's
present in other countries as well.
The big question right now is how will Omicron compete with
other variants that are circulating in populations?
For example, will Omicron outcompete Delta or not?
It's still a little bit early for us to have a
full understanding, but what we can say is that some of the
mutations that are identified in Omicron will provide
a growth advantage, will allow it to be more transmissible.
So, this is a concern that we have and as we know,
more cases, if there's more increased transmissibility,
which is what we are seeing, we'll have more cases.
More cases mean more hospitalizations and more
hospitalizations can put health care systems that are already
overburdened into a state where people will not get the
appropriate care that they need.
Maria, does Omicron cause more severe disease?
And what are the symptoms we are seeing so far?
We're still learning about severity as well.
We do know that people with Omicron can have the full
spectrum of disease, everything from
asymptomatic infection, mild infection,
people needing hospitalization, and people have died from Omicron.
We do have initial reports that suggest that Omicron is less
severe compared to Delta.
However, if again, if we have more cases, more cases mean
more hospitalizations, and if a health care system
is overburdened, people will die because they won't get the
appropriate care that they need.
So, it's early to tell whether or not Omicron is more or
less severe, but we do have some initial reports that it
is less severe.
Now, don't be fooled.
Even if we have a virus that causes less severe disease,
this virus can affect vulnerable populations.
And we know people with underlying conditions,
people of advanced age, if they are infected with any variant
of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron, they are at
an increased risk of developing severe disease.
So, it is really critical that even if we do see more
mild disease, we still do everything that we can to
reduce transmission in all populations, people who
are vaccinated, as well as people who are not vaccinated.
In terms of disease presentation, there are
many studies that are underway that are looking at this and
people who are infected with Omicron compared
to other variants.
We have not seen a change in the disease profile.
For example, we haven't seen a change in the symptoms that
people present with Omicron compared to Delta.
So you won't be able to tell the difference.
So, the best thing for you to do is to keep yourself safe,
get vaccinated when you can and make sure that you take steps
to reduce your exposure to this virus.
Maria, what can people do to protect themselves against Omicron?
And what about the current batch of vaccines?
So there's many things that people can do to
keep themselves safe.
First of all, is get vaccinated.
Now there are many studies that are underway that are looking
at vaccine effectiveness against Omicron.
And these studies are currently underway.
We don't have that complete picture yet, but what we do
know is that it is better to be vaccinated than not.
And what is really critical in all countries is that those
people who are at risk, those who are over the age of 60,
those who have underlying conditions (and health workers) receive
their vaccines and making sure they get their first and second doses.
It's really, really critical that everybody get vaccinated
when it's their turn.
And at the same time, while we increase vaccination coverage
among those who are most at risk in all countries, we also
have to take steps to drive transmission down everywhere.
And this is using simple measures: physical distancing,
wearing of a well-fitted mask with clean hands,
avoiding crowds, improving ventilation
where we live, where we work, where we study.
The biggest factor right now is making sure you reduce your
exposure to the virus, no matter what
variant is circulating.
Delta variant is dominant worldwide,
that also needs to be brought under control,
and everything that we do right now for Delta will benefit
Omicron no matter how it unfolds, no matter what we
learn about it.
So, do your best to keep yourself safe.
Get vaccinated when you can and make sure that you reduce your
exposure to this virus where you live.
Thank you, Maria.
That was an update on the Omicron variant.
Remember that as more information comes in, we will
make it available to you on our channels.
Until next time, then stay safe, stay healthy
and stick with science.