It is the nature of viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, to evolve and change gradually.<\/p>\n
But some COVID-19 variants, such as the omicron variant, mutate more than others.<\/p>\n
Heres what to know.<\/p>\n
Coronavirus variants are classified in differing categories by public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n
There are three classifications of coronavirus variants: variants of interest, variants of concern and variants of high consequence.<\/p>\n
The omicron variant, which public health agencies have classified as a variant of concern, differs from other coronavirus strains because it has over 50 mutations, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Many of them are in the spike protein.<\/p>\n
Because of its many mutations, the virus can evade immune responses and become more transmissible from person to person.<\/p>\n
In other words, omicron and its mutations are more contagious, even though the illness may not be as severe as any other strain of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Current CDC data shows that you should be protected against omicron or one of its mutations, such as the BA.2 variant, if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.<\/p>\n
According to a CDC study published in January 2022, receipt of a third vaccine dose was highly effective at preventing COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters (94% and 82%, respectively) and preventing COVID-19associated hospitalizations (94% and 90%, respectively) during the delta and omicron waves of COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Another CDC study from March 2022 found that receiving two to three doses of an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna, was associated with a 90% reduction in the risk of death or need to be on a ventilator.<\/p>\n
Those who got three mRNA vaccines during the omicron wave had a 94% reduction in risk of severe illness or death, according to the study.<\/p>\n
Related stories about COVID-19:<\/p>\n
How to get 4 more at-home COVID tests for free<\/p>\n
Omicron subvariant BA.2: The new symptoms to look out for<\/p>\n
How to get a COVID booster shot at CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid<\/p>\n
Should I get a second booster shot to prevent against COVID?<\/p>\n
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com<\/a>. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com\/tips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Go here to see the original: <\/p>\n Why are there so many COVID variants of omicron? - NJ.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It is the nature of viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, to evolve and change gradually. Continue reading