With more information continuing to come out about the Omicron variant as research continues, scientists in South Africa say it is the most contagious to hit the country. Yet, it is causing fewer severe cases than other variants.
In Cape Town, South Africa, where the nation is experiencing its fourth wave of COVID-19, scientists are continuing to research the variant discovered more than two weeks ago.
With Omicron being the most infectious variant yet, COVID-19 testing sites in South Africa have been swarmed after being empty only a few weeks ago, NPR reported.
Still, scientists are saying that this isn't the end.
"There is really no need for alarm," South African Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla said to NPR. "We expect this variant to behave the same way as the previous variants."
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Phaahla shared that he is getting data from hospitals at the epicenter of the new wave, in Gauteng the province, and most of the cases seen are mild, despite hospitalizations going up, NPR reported.
He continued saying that most people only spend a day or two in the hospital. In one of the busiest hospitals, 79% of patients with COVID came to the hospital for a completely different reason and tested positive during screening.
Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm touched on this with News Talk 830 WCCO, sharing that he thinks Omicron becoming the lead variant over Delta in the U.S. could be a good thing.
"Wouldn't it be something if mother nature gives us a virus that actually minimizes serious illness, and it beats out the one that's killing us," Osterholm said. "That's a possibility, I don't want to say that's going to happen, but we're sure looking at it closely."
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Studies on the new strain of COVID-19 have also shown that it can get past antibodies created by vaccines. However, Pfizer announced last week that its third dose offers protection from Omicron.
While the data shows that the variant is not causing severe illness, doctors are still recommending that everyone eligible gets a booster shot to be as protected as they can be.
"If you have a lot [of antibodies] like someone who is fully vaccinated and has a booster, you surely still have a challenge, but it may mean you only have a mild illness at the most and not a serious life-threatening illness," Osterholm says.
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