Explainer-Could the Omicron variant bring milder illness?


  • World
  • Saturday, 04 Dec 2021

FILE PHOTO: Syringes with needles are seen in front of a displayed stock graph and words "Omicron SARS-CoV-2" in this illustration taken, November 27, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

(Reuters) - The Omicron variant, spreading now in southern Africa and detected in over 30 other countries, has prompted fears it could significantly undermine the effectiveness of vaccines against COVID-19.

Yet as scientists race to understand the full consequences of Omicron, some are also asking whether this new version of coronavirus might cause milder illness than its predecessors. While they caution that it is far too early to draw conclusions, here is what is known so far:

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

Feature: Gastronomy festival on Seine marks 60th anniversary of China-France ties
Key separatist commander among 3 killed in Cameroon's restive Anglophone region
Ukrainians in embattled east mark third Easter under fire
Death toll from southern Brazil rainfall rises to 75, many still missing
South Africa inquiry blames authorities for neglect leading to deadly fire
Death toll from Kenya floods rises to 228
On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer
Russia blames Baltic countries for the severing of most ties
Panamanians vote in crowded field of presidential contenders
Putin attends Easter service led by head of Russia's Orthodox Church

Others Also Read