SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: What We Know About The Omicron Variant

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

December 3, 2021

As the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the United States, SSM Health is monitoring all updates closely from physicians, scientists and public health officials. The Omicron variant is the latest strain of the coronavirus, designated a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization.

The variant, first identified in South Africa, is spreading across the globe as more countries are reporting new cases. The variant has a combination of mutations that may cause it to be more transmissible. SSM Health’s Chief Community Health Officer, Dr. Alex Garza said the data coming out of South Africa shows the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the Beta and Delta variants. While it’s more concerning than other variants, Dr. Garza said there are still many unknowns.

“What makes it unique is the number of mutations that it's had specifically on the spike protein,” Garza said. “The spike protein is the protein that allows it to invade the cells and cause infection.”

According to the World Health Organization, the likelihood of potential further spread of Omicron at the global level is high. Health experts remain concerned there could be future surges of COVID-19 that might have severe consequences. Right now, Dr. Garza said it’s still unclear how well the COVID-19 vaccine protects against the Omicron variant. So far, people who are vaccinated and have been infected with the Omicron variant report only mild symptoms; however, there are still many questions surrounding what effect the variant will have.

“There's still a question of is it more virulent? So, are people getting sicker from it? That’s a separate question that we don't have a firm grasp on right now,” Garza said.

It’s important to note that every new COVID-19 case is not tested for the Omicron variant. Dr. Garza said genetic sequencing is used to identify whether it’s Omicron. However, only a small certain percentage of samples are sent to state labs for genomic sequencing tests. Another method used to identify the Omicron variant is through wastewater testing. Those tests mark how much spread there is in a community by identifying the volume of viral particles in wastewater.

What can be done to protect against the Omicron variant?

Dr. Garza said prevention measures are similar to what we’ve been practicing throughout the pandemic. Although it’s not certain how well the various vaccines hold up to the Omicron variant, Dr. Garza said the best line of defense is to get vaccinated.

“Vaccination is our best option of limiting any potential of getting infected with the coronavirus,” Garza said. “We already know it protects against the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants.”

While researchers continue to investigate the Omicron variant, Dr. Garza urges people to rely on vaccines and other public health measures to keep the spread at bay. That includes wearing a mask inside all public places, social distancing and washing hands frequently.

“It heightens the awareness that, yes, these things are important, but there's no new tactic or technique that is going to need to be employed just because it's a different variant; at the end of the day, it is still a respiratory virus.”

Please visit this page for updates as we learn more about the Omicron variant.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.