How is this affecting the COVID pandemic

DETROIT – There is global concern about the impact of omicron variant could have on the COVID pandemic. Experts agree that it is only a matter of time before omicron is detected in the United States.

Local 4 spoke with Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, chair of the FDA’s Vaccine Advisory Committee.

“I am worried, but not panicked,” Monto said. “What we do know is that there are a number of changes in this virus. It’s a different virus in many ways, even from the delta virus. But we don’t know what it’s going to do. And that’s the problem.

Monto said we will learn more as scientists study how the virus spreads in humans and how it reacts in the lab.

“Delta just took over when it arrived and is omicron capable of doing it? We will probably find out in the next few weeks, ”said Monto.

Vaccine makers are working on updated vaccines in case they are needed. Monto believes that current vaccines will always provide a level of protection against serious illness and warns people should not wait to receive boosters. This extra protection is needed now.

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“The problem is we’re going to continue to have these variants and we’re probably going to have to treat this like we do with the flu with periodically updated vaccines,” Monto said.

Monto said he expects us to finally see a variation parade. He hopes COVID will one day behave more like the flu, with a seasonal pattern and fewer deaths.

Monto understands that no one likes having to go back in terms of social distancing, wearing masks and other precautions. Monto said that unfortunately we must continue to adapt to the current situation as the pandemic continues to unfold.

Read: Michigan COVID Comprehensive Coverage