Dear Subscriber,
The news is running wild with reports of another COVID variant, called Omicron. It has many mutations in its spike protein. It has some 50 genetic mutations as compared to the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. And some 36 are on the all-important spike protein.
Here is what we seem to know. This version of the virus is far more communicable than any of its predecessors. Its spike protein attaches to us far more aggressively. And sure enough in a matter of a few weeks, it has become the predominant strain in the USA.
Problems with this is that it can easily evade antibodies that might have been generated by vaccines, or perhaps even past wild infection. Antibodies are exquisitely targeted to a specific three-dimensional structure. The mutations will alter its physical structure thwarting your antibody’s recognition.
Regarding severity, early data pushed by the mainstream suggests that it is no less severe than delta (https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-infections-appear-no-less-severe-than-delta-covid-19-lowers-sperm-count-2021-12-20/) .
On the other hand, from the limited information we have on southern Africa, omicron is going wild there, but their hospitalization rate is low. ‘One out of every 100 cases currently seeks hospital care in Africa’s last absolute monarchy, which neighbors South Africa. That’s compared with one in 25 during the peak of the last wave in August.’ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-20/eswatini-s-hospitalization-rate-eases-as-omicron-drives-new-wave.
My chat groups are buzzing about this since that area of the world has a much lower vaccination rate than us. And, in the USA is appears clear that “fully vaccinated” (two jabs) means nothing to omicron. A “booster” third shot does provide partial protection.