Infographics: how Omicron compares to other variants of COVID Infographic news

The WHO says preliminary evidence indicates that there is a “higher risk of infection with Omicron again” compared to other coronavirus variants, but information is limited.

On November 24, 2021, South African scientists reported a new variant of coronavirus with a higher number of mutations than that found in other variants. Two days later, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the new variant, called Omicron, was a variant of concern (VOC).

The predictions led many countries to impose them travel restrictions.

What are mutations?

All viruses mutate, and the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has continued to mutate since its inception in late 2019. A mutation is a change in the genetic code of a virus, and a mutated virus is known as a variant.

Some variants of coronavirus spread more easily than others, which can lead to an increase in the rate of infection. The rise in infections can lead to additional stress on health resources, leading to more hospitalizations and deaths.

Experts believe that there are at least 50 mutations in the new variant, and there are 32 mutations in the point protein, part of the virus that enters human cells. Scientists have said that similar mutations seen in other variants have been linked to higher transmission and a greater chance of escaping the body’s immune defenses compared to the original strain of the virus.

Mutations are identified by letters and numbers such as D614G, i.e., an amino acid in position 614 of vertex proteins that changed from being D (aspartate) to G (glycine).

How variants are named

The WHO has identified five VOCs and eight variants of interest (VOIs). Since May 2021, they have put the name of the letters of the Greek alphabet that begins with Alpha.

According to this, the next letters assigned were to be Nu and then Xi, but according to the WHO, “Nu is too easily confused with ‘new’ and Xi was not used because the surname is common.”

Instead, the 15th letter, Omicron, was used.

(Al Jazeera)

How Omicron compares to other variants

The WHO said the overall risk of the Omicron variant is “very high”.

Today, the Delta variant, first documented in India in October 2020, is the main strain, accounting for more than 99 percent of sequenced cases.

On Sunday, the WHO he said it is still unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible or other variants that cause more serious disease. He added that “vaccines remain essential to reduce serious illness and death.”

Preliminary evidence suggests that “the risk of infection with Omicron may increase again” compared to other variants of concern, but information is limited, ”he said.

South African epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim he said Monday that insufficient data were collected on the clinical implications of Omicron compared to previous variants, and that re-infections were more likely but that those vaccinated were less likely to have severe symptoms.

Experts say more information will be available in the coming days and weeks as the virus spreads, and researchers are studying how Omicron mutations work together.

(Al Jazeera)

How to protect yourself and others

Moe advises next steps to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

1. Get vaccinated
2. Use the mask
3. Keep a physical distance
4. Ventilate indoor spaces
5. Maintain good hygiene
6. If you develop self-isolating symptoms

(Al Jazeera)