How scared should you be of the new COVID-19 variant "Omicron"? AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria explains

Since the onset of the novel coronavirus, new variants and mutations have continued to emerge, with the Delta variant proving to be the most dangerous of all.

Now, a new COVID variant "Omicron" has set foot in the world. First detected in South Africa, the B.1.1.529 variant is said to be extremely dangerous. Given the sudden surge in the number of COVID patients in South Africa, experts have come to believe that the new variant has a high transmissibility rate.

AIIMS chief Dr. Randeep Guleria in recent interviews has opined on the same and discussed the many aspects of the new variant and how it could impact the progress of the existing vaccines.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared B.1.1.529 a variant of concern. Experts see this swift jump from being a "Variant of Interest" (VoI) to a "Variant of Concern" (VoC) as a worrying factor, since the difference between the two is wide-ranging and significant.

As compared to variant of interest, variant of concern is linked to "an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures," as per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While the South African Medical Association has slammed the hype and said that Omicron is only causing mild diseases, the rate of transmissibility continues to be high, adding to the woes of the people.

According to Dr. Guleria, the new variant Omicron has over 30 mutations in the spike protein, which helps it potentially develop an 'immune-escape mechanism'.

Spike protein is the compound that enables a virus to enter the host cell and is what makes it more transmissible and infectious. Having said that, mutations to the spike protein only makes it more difficult to detect and eliminate.

Given that most COVID vaccines are developed to form antibodies against the spike protein, the multiple mutations in the spike protein only make the vaccines less effective, leading to decreased efficacy.

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Although there is no data available to suggest that Omicron is more transmissible, following the sudden spike in the numbers of COVID-19 cases in South Africa, where the new variant had originated from, experts believe it could have an increased rate of transmissibility.

As of now, the Delta variant continues to remain the most dominant strain of the SARs-COV-2 virus.

In an interview, Dr. Guleria suggests that there are no significant differences between the Omicron variant and the Delta strain. Both are believed to showcase similar symptoms including fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache and in severe cases shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.

However, according to the WHO, preliminary data suggests that there may be an increased risk of reinfection with 'Omicron'. That means those who have previously had COVID-19 could become reinfected more easily with this variant.

Since COVID vaccines play an important role in curbing the spread of coronavirus, the new variants only make it difficult for it to function smoothly.

The new COVID variant Omicron has become a major source of health concern, as it is said to possess 30+ mutations to the spike protein, which could possibly render the available COVID vaccines less effective.

Considering that the vaccines are developed in respect to the spike proteins present in the virus, to detect and to neutralize it, the many mutations in spike protein only makes it harder for the vaccines to identify the new alterations, making it less effective.

In an interview, Dr. Guleria suggests that new vaccines may have to be developed with regard to newer variants.

Given that viruses are bound to mutate, the SARs-COV-2 virus is no different. As of now, there are multiple COVID variants lingering in and around the world. That said, experts believe that there may be a need to update COVID vaccines just like the influenza sots.

As of now, Moderna has announced that an Omicron variant vaccine could be ready by early next year.

Apart from the vaccines, health professionals and experts advise people to remain vigilant.

While health officials need to expand surveillance, facilitate multiple COVID testing centres and initiate COVID-appropriate restrictions, the lay people should do their part of wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and practicing healthy hand hygiene.

Although the new COVID variant has not penetrated the walls of India, there is no telling when it could wreak havoc in the country.