From the article:
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...But there are also claims that it could be milder than earlier versions of Covid, such as Delta.
Which is it? And if it is indeed as mild as many claim, could it save the world by pushing us closer to herd immunity?
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The scary bit about Omicron is the high number of mutations, an “unusual constellation of mutations” and that it was “very different” from other variants that have circulated. Specifically, it contains 50 mutations overall and more than 30 on the spike protein. This is important because the vaccines encourage the body to create antibodies to the spike protein.
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Mutations can go either way. They can make a pathogen more virulent or less virulent. So far it appears that those who become ill with the omicron variant are incurring only a mild illness. that of course can change. what is yet to be sen is to what extent that the immunity developed in these patients protects against the more virulent strains of COVID. Often that is what happens and how pandemics naturally end. Yet it is still far to early to know what will ultimately happen with omicron.
Also the nature of the total immune response to COVID infections is not understood. People are preoccupied with antibodies and titers but know almost nothing about T cell immunity and other immune factors in these patients. Also there has been almost nothing done to identify those who are genetically susceptible or genetically resistant to this pathogen.