Should I Be Worried About Getting the COVID-19 Omicron Variant?

Key Takeaways:

• The Omicron variant is highly transmissible but generally causes less severe illness compared to earlier variants.
• COVID-19 vaccines still provide good protection against hospitalization and death from Omicron.
• Those at higher risk due to age or health conditions should be more concerned about Omicron.
• It’s important to continue following public health guidelines like masking and distancing.
• The new bivalent booster targets both Omicron and the original strain.

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Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to evolve over the past two years, with new variants of concern emerging periodically. Most recently, the Omicron variant has rapidly spread around the world and is now the dominant strain in many countries, including the United States. As of August 2022, Omicron accounts for over 85% of sequenced COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

With yet another highly contagious variant in circulation, many are wondering – should I be worried about getting the Omicron variant? Is it more dangerous or likely to cause severe illness compared to previous variants? Will the vaccines still work against it? This article will comprehensively evaluate the key facts and considerations regarding the Omicron variant, analyzing the risks it poses and how concerned individuals should be about contracting this strain of the COVID-19 virus.

Understanding the risks and implications of the Omicron variant is crucial for making informed decisions about health precautions and evaluating personal risk levels. The insights in this article aim to help readers understand what is known so far about Omicron, including how it compares to other variants, whether the approved vaccines offer protection against it, and how concerned different groups should be about potential Omicron illness based on age, health status, and other factors.

With COVID-19 continuing to present an unpredictable situation, the depth of information provided here offers readers the knowledge needed to reasonably assess their own Omicron risk and determine appropriate precautions. The research-backed evidence and statistics help make sense of a complex public health landscape. Let us explore the key considerations around the Omicron variant and what they mean for personal health and safety.

How Does Omicron Compare to Other Variants?

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first detected in South Africa in November 2021 and has quickly outpaced the previously dominant Delta variant around the world. Research indicates that Omicron is significantly more transmissible compared to previous variants. In the United States, Omicron caused COVID-19 cases to surge to their highest levels of the entire pandemic in December 2021 and January 2022.

However, multiple studies have found that while Omicron is more contagious, it generally causes less severe illness and a lower likelihood of hospitalization or death compared to earlier variants like Delta. A February 2022 study by the University of Hong Kong found that Omicron replicates faster in the bronchus than in the lungs compared to Delta and original SARS-CoV-2, which may contribute to Omicron’s higher transmissibility but lower severity.

Importantly, the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron has now become dominant in the U.S., accounting for over 85% of sequenced cases as of August 2022. Research indicates BA.5 is even more contagious than earlier Omicron subvariants and has shown an increased ability to evade immunity from both vaccination and previous infection. This makes it a particularly concerning subvariant.

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How Effective Are the Vaccines Against Omicron?

While the Omicron variant exhibits a level of immune evasion that reduces effectiveness compared to earlier variants, studies confirm that existing COVID-19 vaccines still provide substantial protection against severe disease and death, especially with a booster dose.

According to December 2021 data from the UK Health Security Agency, a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine was up to 75% effective at preventing symptomatic infection from Omicron. Boosters also provided over 90% protection against hospitalization.

Additionally, clinical trials found that a booster dose increased neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron 37-fold compared to the primary vaccine series alone. Real-world evidence continues to demonstrate the life-saving benefits of vaccination during the Omicron wave. Unvaccinated individuals had a 14 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those who were vaccinated and boosted, according to January 2022 data from the California Department of Public Health.

The CDC also reports that COVID-19 booster shots are 90% effective at preventing hospitalization due to Omicron illness and 82% effective against emergency department and urgent care visits. While breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals may occur, vaccines slash the risk of severe disease outcomes. The added protection of a booster is critical.

In September 2022, the CDC recommended new bivalent booster shots that have been updated to target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants, in addition to the original virus strain. Clinical trial data showed the new boosters produced a substantially higher antibody response against Omicron compared to the original boosters. This provides optimized protection for the fall and winter months when new waves of infection are expected.

How Worried Should I Be About Omicron Based on My Age and Health Status?

The level of concern individuals should have about contracting the Omicron variant may vary based on factors like age, underlying medical conditions, and vaccination status, which all impact vulnerability to severe illness.

For healthy younger adults and children, the risk of hospitalization and death due to Omicron remains very low, though complications can still occasionally occur. According to CDC data, the risk of hospitalization with Omicron was about 5 times lower compared to Delta for children 5-17 years old. Vaccination and boosters provide significant additional protection against severe outcomes in these groups.

However, older adults (65+) and those with underlying health problems like diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, and obesity are at substantially higher risk of developing serious illness from Omicron compared to the young and healthy. Over 90% of current COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among these higher vulnerability groups, according to August 2022 data. Some immunocompromised individuals may also have a weaker immune response to vaccination.

For those at elevated risk, contracting Omicron could lead to a severe course of illness, so particular precautions are warranted. Getting fully vaccinated and boosted, wearing a high-quality mask in public indoor settings, improving ventilation, and considering precautionary treatments if infected (e.g. Paxlovid) are key for reducing Omicron risks. Consulting with a healthcare provider about an individualized approach is recommended for the highest-risk groups.

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Should I Change My Behavior Based on the Omicron Variant?

The contagiousness of the Omicron variant warrants continued vigilance with non-pharmaceutical interventions like masking, distancing, testing, and ventilation. According to January 2022 guidance from the WHO, the surge in Omicron cases justifies continued use of well-fitting masks, increased ventilation indoors, avoiding crowded spaces, and regular hand washing. For most individuals, regardless of vaccination status, altering behaviors to avoid infection remains prudent.

Specifically, the CDC recommends wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask or respirator (e.g. N95, KN95) when in public indoor spaces. Distancing at least 6 feet from others as much as possible is also advised. If gathering with others, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors when feasible. Also, get tested before gatherings and stay home if feeling unwell or testing positive.

However, these precautions are especially important for those at higher risk for severe illness, such as the elderly, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated. Avoiding any unnecessary activities with elevated exposure risk is recommended. For those in high-vulnerability groups, speaking to a doctor about additional protective actions is also wise.

Omicron Variant FAQs

How long does Omicron infection last?

Studies indicate the incubation period for Omicron ranges from 3-5 days, compared to 4-6 days for other variants. On average, those infected with Omicron appear to become contagious 1-2 days before symptoms start and remain contagious for 5-7 days. Mild cases typically recover within 1-2 weeks. Those who are vaccinated or have immunity from past infection tend to experience shorter periods of illness.

What are the most common symptoms of Omicron?

The most frequently reported symptoms of Omicron infection are cough, fatigue, congestion, runny nose, and headache. Sore throat, fever, and sneezing have also been observed. Omicron symptoms seem slightly milder overall and less likely to cause loss of taste or smell compared to previous variants. However, severity can still vary.

How effective are cloth and surgical masks against Omicron?

According to the CDC, a well-fitting disposable surgical mask or higher-quality respirator (e.g. N95, KN95) offers the best protection against Omicron and other variants. A surgical mask is estimated to be around 60% effective against Omicron transmission. In comparison, a cloth mask offers the least protection at around 30%. Using a high filtration respirator is recommended for maximum protection.

Should I get tested for Omicron even if I’m vaccinated?

Yes, the CDC recommends getting tested if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. While less common, breakthrough infections can occur with Omicron, so testing is important to identify cases and prevent further spread. Seek testing through either a PCR or rapid antigen test.

Is Omicron milder in both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals?

Multiple studies indicate Omicron causes less severe disease on average compared to prior variants like Delta, potentially due to differences in how it impacts the lungs. This trend of reduced severity applies to both unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. However, unvaccinated individuals are still at substantially higher risk of hospitalization or death if infected compared to vaccinated.

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Conclusion

The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant makes it a significant public health concern. However, vaccination continues to provide powerful protection against severe disease and death from Omicron infection. Those at elevated risk, such as seniors, the immunocompromised, and unvaccinated, should take particular care to avoid exposure and get vaccinated and boosted. For most others, reasonable precautions like masking in indoor public places, distancing, testing, and improved ventilation will help prevent spread. Continued vigilance, prudent behavior based on personal risk factors, and utilization of the safe and effective vaccines will allow us to responsibly navigate the phase of the pandemic dominated by the Omicron variant.

Editorial Team

The Editorial Team at AnswerCatch.com brings you insightful and accurate content on a wide range of topics. Our diverse team of talented writers is passionate about providing you with the best possible reading experience.