Why are there so many COVID variants of omicron? – NJ.com

It is the nature of viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, to evolve and change gradually.

But some COVID-19 variants, such as the omicron variant, mutate more than others.

Heres what to know.

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).

There are three classifications of coronavirus variants: variants of interest, variants of concern and variants of high consequence.

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.

Because of its many mutations, the virus can evade immune responses and become more transmissible from person to person.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related stories about COVID-19:

How to get 4 more at-home COVID tests for free

Omicron subvariant BA.2: The new symptoms to look out for

How to get a COVID booster shot at CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid

Should I get a second booster shot to prevent against COVID?

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.

Go here to see the original:

Why are there so many COVID variants of omicron? - NJ.com