Omicron is not the only variant of covid. The appearance of numerous mutations led health authorities to start using the specific categories of variant of interest (VOI). As well as a variant of concern (VOC), in order to prioritize monitoring and research on a global scale and, ultimately, guide the response to the pandemic.
In the case of VOCs, they are classified as such because there is evidence of greater transmissibility
In the case of VOCs, they are classified as such because there is evidence of greater transmissibility, more severe cases of illness (for example, more hospitalizations or deaths). Significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination. Less effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures.
In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they meet the following premises:
Evidence of impact on diagnosis, treatments, or vaccines
Evidence of increased transmissibility
Evidence of increased disease severity
How many variants of covid are there?
Currently, the who considers the following variants of interest: alpha, beta, gamma, delta and omicron. The dominant variant at the moment in Mexico is Ómicron. This is associated with greater transmissibility and a slight decrease in vaccine effectiveness compared to the delta variant, which was the most frequent until the appearance of alpha.
The risk of delta for the vaccinated population is considered very low. For unvaccinated people, the risk is considered moderate for the general population and high for vulnerable unvaccinated people. The rest of the variants have fallen to levels below 1%, so at this time they are not a cause for concern.
But experts predict that omicron will soon occupy the place of delta throughout the WORLD. That is, it becomes dominant, given its rapid spread.
More infectious variants, such as beta, delta, and omicron, may have a greater ability to re-infect
Also, while different variants have emerged in England, Brazil, California, and other areas. The more infectious variants, such as beta, delta, and omicron, may have a greater ability to re-infect people who have recovered from earlier versions of the coronavirus and may also be somewhat resistant to some of the coronavirus vaccines.
The more the COVID-19 virus circulates, the greater the chance that new mutations or variants will develop. The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to follow public health recommendations that have been shown to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Keep yourself and others safer by:
Receive the COVID-19 vaccine
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when around people outside your household, both indoors and in crowded outdoor settings.
To maximize protection, everyone should wear a mask in public places if they are in a significant or high transmission area.
Stay at least 6 feet away from other people when possible
Stay away from large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
Wash hands frequently
Delay travel if not fully vaccinated
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