Omicron Around the World

By Sarah Burmester, Lessa Dreimiller and Antónia Mazzilli

What is Omicron Exactly?

First discovered in South Africa Nov, 24. Omicron is a mix of 50 mutations and was first named a “Variant of Concern'' by world health organizers on Nov 26, 2021. Lots of sources have done studies on whether it's actually less severe than Delta and the original variant. A recent study done by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases compared an Omicron variant wave of covid to the first 3 waves of COVID-19. The results from this study confirmed that Omicron, does in fact, have less severe symptoms. Only 8% of people infected with the Omicron variant died or were hospitalized within the first 14 days of testing, compared to the 16% in the first 3 waves. Including people who are not fully vaccinated.

How Fast Does Omicron Spread?

Omicron spreads 3 times faster than the delta variant. However the 2nd Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine helps with 35% symptom infection with a 3rd dose it helped with 75% of symptom infections. Getting vaccinated can prevent people from being hospitalized and help prevent lower cases to arrive. To add on having COVID before hand doesn’t completely protect you, it only lowers your chances. Why is Omicron so contagious? U.S health officials are saying that most Americans are going to get COVID. Federal health offices have even compared Omicron to a “natural disaster.” As of December 20th Omicron has been officially in the US. Doctors are saying that you can be potentially contagious before you test positive, or even the day after you’ve been infected. One issue is that you can be dangerous before showing symptoms, however this has been a problem throughout most of the pandemic anyways. What are some symptoms? Symptoms include a scratchy or sore throat and nose congestion. People may also have dry coughs and muscle pain specifically in the lower back.

Words or terms you don't know?

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine- Whole vaccine is 2 shots given 21 days apart. Ages 5 years and older should get an additional primary shot after 2nd dose → cdc.gov

Delta variant - another mutation of Covid.

Harwood Student Rylee Walker encourages you to mask up!