Top pulmonologist has provided some explanation about the newly discovered variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is known as the Omicron.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza said that the Omicron variant features several mutations on the spike proteins, which experts believe could be more infectious and transmissible.
Cepedoza gave his perspectives about the new variant in a radio interview over Newsmakers Ug Uban Pa on Nov. 30, 2021 hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado.
According to experts, a spike protein, also known as a peplomer, is a structure that plays a significant role in the ability of a virus to enter a cell and cause an infection.
Cepedoza said the new variant shows several new mutations providing better ability to infect cells, but experts are still studying Omicron, touted by the World Health Organization, as a “variant of concern”.
Moreover, he said the new variant is able to stick to a cell, which hikes the likelihood of an infection.
Cepedoza said the Omicron seems to be more infectious than the Delta variant.
Cepedoza added that experts are still looking at how virulent the new virus strain will be.
At the moment, scientists are studying whether or not the new variant is able to avoid detection by the immune system in fully vaccinated persons.
Nonetheless, Cepedoza insisted that people should get vaccinated even if there is a new variant that possibly could replace the Delta variant.