Breezy Explainer: Differences between the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants

The world is talking about Omicron. However, the major bulk of COVID-19 infections in the US is due to the Delta variant. Read to find out the major differences between the two COVID-19 variants.

The omicron’s uncertain wave

Based on the fast spread of the Omicron variant in South Africa, epidemiologists believe that it can outcompete the Delta variant across the globe. After all, the omicron variant is making its way across the Netherlands. However, researchers are in the early stages of understanding how this variant is when compared to the Delta. Some data suggest that it may be less severe but more contagious. 

“Omicron will displace Delta as the dominant variant, just as Delta replaced alpha. I think that’s pretty certain,” stated Andrew Noymer. Noymar is an epidemiologist and demographer at the Univerity of California’s Irvine campus. However, this also depends on the immunity of the population, behaviors, and seasonality. But, despite the lack of knowledge on the matter, researchers have a basic idea of how the COVID-19 variants are different from each other.

COVID-19 variants and their differences

The spike protein of the virus that attaches to our cells, causing infections has 32 mutations in the Omicron variant. However, the mutations on the delta variant are very similar to the virus that was in the COVID-19 vaccines. This is making it more difficult for our immune system to identify and stop the virus from infecting us.

Even though the Omicron variant is more infectious, studies show they are milder than Delta. COVID-19 related hospitalizations in South Africa are 29 percent lower than the mid-2020 levels despite the increase in cases. Additionally, people with milder infections are bouncing back in a matter of three-day-long recoveries. While the variant may not be milder, it may be causing a milder illness due to immunity present in the population.

Will things get better?

It is still very quick to say that. However, vaccination is vital, especially at this stage. “The Omicron spike is still 97% identical to the vaccine, but the changes are clustered in a way that makes it harder for the immune system to neutralize,” stated Benjamin Neuman. Neuman is the chief virologist at the Global Health Research Complex at Texas A&M University.

After all, mutations on the Omicron’s spike protein are the same as those before. But, the cluster patterns are different. And, despite the slight dip in efficacy, Neuman believes that the use of remdesivir, molnupiravir, and ‘covid pill‘ Paxlovid, diseases can be managed and death can be avoided. Booster shots also provide extra protection against severe outcomes. 

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