The new Covid variant omicron will likely 'overwhelm the whole world' in the coming months, according to Singapore doctor Leong Hoe Nam.
Experts don't know exactly how contagious the highly mutated omicron variant is, but the virus' spike protein — which binds to human cells — has mutations associated with higher transmission and a decrease in antibody protection.
Our bodies generate a "whole host of different antibodies" in response to vaccines, said Dr. Syra Madad, a fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. "It may reduce vaccine effectiveness by a couple of notches, but that is yet to be seen," she said. Current vaccines, along with boosters should still provide a "good level of protection," she added.
He said omicron is "threatening the whole world" with a sudden surge in cases, and health-care systems could be overwhelmed, even if only 1% or 2% of the cases end up in hospital.