By now you’ve probably heard of the Delta & Omicron Variants and are wondering: what are they? The Variants are a mutated forms of the corona virus. Below is some helpful information about them:

  • Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Viral mutations and variants in the United States are routinely monitored through sequence-based surveillance, laboratory studies, and epidemiological investigations.
  • The Delta Variant was first detected in the United States in March 2021. It was initially identified in India in December 2020.
  • The Omicron Variant was first detected in the United States in November 2021. It was initially identified in Africa in November 2021.
  • The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
  • So far, studies suggest that the current authorized vaccines work on the circulating variants. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Attributes of the Delta Variant:

  • Increased transmissibility
  • Potential reduction in neutralization by some EUA monoclonal antibody treatments
  • Potential reduction in neutralization by post-vaccination sera

Protect yourself from COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States and variants are circulating. Take steps to protect yourself from the virus.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html

 

 

(Updated 12/30/2021)