As much as we wish things were different, we can’t deny that the pandemic isn’t going away anytime soon. Knowing it’s here to stay (at least for the foreseeable future) raises several important questions: Will there always be new variants to worry about? Will there ever come a time when we feel like we can finally take a breath? Since Omicron is considered milder compared to other variants, it’s causing all of us to contemplate the future of the pandemic. One huge question on our minds: Does a milder variant mean the pandemic is becoming milder in general? Here’s everything we know.
What Omicron can tell us about the pandemic
In unfortunate news, while Omicron may be milder, it’s not an indicator that the pandemic will ease up. “I really do not believe the pandemic will get milder soon first, it will get more severe because of the holidays (travel and large indoor gatherings),” says Robert G. Lahita MD, PhD, Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of the upcoming book Immunity Strong. “Hence, the mask mandates that have been increased in California and New York. I don’t think this pandemic is going away anytime soon, especially with so many people still unvaccinated.” Dr. Mary Rodgers, PhD, principal scientist and infectious disease expert at Abbott, offers her insights as well. “Given the current available data from the World Health Organization, it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs,” she says. “So far, most Omicron cases that have been diagnosed have been mild, although severe illness can take three to four weeks to develop, so health officials are continuing to monitor.We also know that Omicron spreads more easily than Delta and other variants.” For those who are most susceptible or not vaccinated, it could mean an increase in hospitalization rates. With that in mind, we can continue to help mitigate the spread by getting vaccinated and boosted and continue utilizing rapid tests, such as the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test, which we are confident can detect the new variant, Dr. Rogers adds. There’s no telling what we will see with future variants. According to reports in the UK, Omicron could actually be more severe than we thought—a person died in London due to Omicron, Dr. Lahita explains. “The third Pfizer dose has at least 75% protection from Omicron, so don’t skip out on getting the full set of doses in order to protect yourself as much as possible,” Dr. Lahita adds.
Will there always be new variants?
Yes, but in a few years, experts believe we will have a better handle on it, and it will become more manageable. “I would expect to see new variants popping up even years in the future, but I expect by 2023 we will have much better control of the virus—it will become endemic,” says Dr. Lahita. “It will be more like the flu, which changes its character each year and we will need a yearly shot to manage the issue.” Dr. Rodgers also believes that new variants will continue to surface. “New variants will continue to develop as viruses are constantly mutating," Dr. Rodgers explains. “The more infections there are, the more opportunities the virus has to change. The Omicron variant is a reminder that the pandemic is not yet over. In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to get vaccinated and continue to practice proper COVID-cautions including rapid testing,” In addition, the number of infections is a crucial factor to take into consideration. “The pace of mutations is typically driven by the number of infections, the rate of mistakes every time the virus makes another copy of itself, and selective pressures like immune responses and therapeutics. Viruses will naturally mutate in order to survive,” says Dr. Rogers. “The good news is we continue to see our safety measures work, which includes getting vaccinated, continuing to test with rapid tests such as the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test, social distancing, mask-wearing and more, especially with the respiratory and holiday season upon us.” Aside from masking up and getting vaccinated, “Everyone who is eligible should absolutely get their booster,” Dr. Lahita explains. “I support mandates for boosters for emergency personnel (EMS, hospital workers, police, fire, etc.” Next up, Here’s What You Can Expect COVID Symptoms to Look Like Day By Day
Sources
Robert G. Lahita MD, PhD, Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of the upcoming book Immunity StrongThe Washington Post: “Boris Johnson reports U.K.’s first known death of patient with omicron variant”Dr. Mary Rodgers, principal scientist and infectious disease expert at Abbott
