Experts in Singapore: Omicron Not More Deadly than Flu

With the emergence of the Omicron variant, there has been an increase in fear and panic. However, experts in Singapore have stated that the new variant is not more deadly than the flu. In fact, many experts have suggested that Omicron may be less severe than previous variants of COVID-19.

The Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa in November 2021. Since then, it has spread rapidly to other parts of the world. The variant has 30 mutations in the spike protein of the virus, which is the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells.

Experts Weigh In

Singaporean experts have stated that there is no evidence that Omicron is more deadly than previous variants of COVID-19. In fact, Omicron may be less severe than previous variants. Professor Ooi Eng Eong, Deputy Director of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Program at Duke-NUS Medical School, stated that “If Omicron is as mild as it seems to be, this could be the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Why Omicron May Be Less Severe

One reason why Omicron may be less severe than previous variants is that it has a large number of mutations in the spike protein of the virus. While this may sound concerning, it actually means that the virus is less likely to bind to human cells and cause severe illness. Additionally, many people around the world have already been vaccinated or have natural immunity from previous infections, making them less likely to get severely ill from the variant.

What About Transmission?

While Omicron may not be more deadly than the flu, there are concerns about how easily it spreads. The variant is highly transmissible, meaning it can spread quickly from person to person. This is why it is important to continue practicing good hygiene, such as wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly.

Summary

In summary, experts in Singapore have stated that Omicron is not more deadly than the flu. While the variant may be highly transmissible, it may also be less severe than previous variants of COVID-19. As always, it is important to practice good hygiene and get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you. #Omicron #COVID19 #SingaporeExperts #LessSevere #HighlyTransmissible #HEALTH