Nearing the end of the year 2021, almost two years since COVID-19 first hit, we’re yet again faced with a new variant of concern. Omicron, a potentially more transmissible and more fatal strain due to mutations of its spike protein, has begun to make its presence known in the U.S. and beyond.
As of writing, Omicron makes up a whopping 73% of COVID-19 cases in the United States, effectively displacing the Delta variant. According to a prediction issued by the CDC, we may be in the frontlines of an incoming Omicron surge.
CDC Modeling Projection Results
CDC says that Omicron is quickly spreading in the U.S. and the rest of the world, with cases expected to peak in January 2022. This suspicion stems from Omicron’s behavior of worsening sevenfold in only a week’s time.
Areas that are predicted to be impacted heavily are those that experienced the strike of Delta the strongest, particularly cities with low vaccination rates. The expected surge is a cause of alarm, especially when coupled with the lingering impact of Delta as well as the seasonal influenza virus.
Contrary to initial hopes that COVID-19 will be over by January 2022, it seems that the start of a new year also marks the beginning of Omicron’s reign. According to CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, ending the pandemic, especially with the new Omicron variant, comes down to slowing down the daily death rate.
At present, the COVID-19 death rate in the U.S. is at 1,100, more or less.
Can Current Vaccines Offer Protection Against Omicron?
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 has proven its importance when Delta swept across the United States, infecting a large number of unvaccinated individuals. But with Omicron being a super mutated strain, people are worried that current vaccines will not cut it.
Scientists are still confident that current vaccines will be able to protect against severe symptoms of COVID-19. But booster shots are highly recommended to raise the body’s antibody count high enough to fight the virus.
Vaccines are still our best shot at staying protected from COVID-19 and all its mutations. And if you are already eligible, we highly encourage you to get boosted. Above all, let’s go back to the ABCs of staying safe amid the pandemic: wearing masks, keeping distance, and staying home.