- It appears to be less severe: Early reports suggest that Omicron may cause milder illness than previous variants, such as Delta. This could mean fewer hospitalizations and deaths, which is good news for public health.
- Boosters may be effective: Some preliminary data suggest that booster shots may be effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization from Omicron. This means that people who are vaccinated may have additional protection against the variant.
- It may lead to long-term immunity: Some experts believe that exposure to Omicron could lead to long-term immunity, similar to what happens after a natural infection. This could help to slow the spread of the virus over time.
However, it’s important to note that we are still learning about Omicron, and more research is needed to fully understand its impact. Additionally, even if Omicron is less severe than previous variants, it can still cause serious illness and death, particularly in unvaccinated populations. Therefore, it’s important to continue taking measures to slow the spread of the virus, such as getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing when appropriate.