In this regard, Hadi Yassin, associate professor of transitional diseases at the Biomedical Research Center at Qatar University, said - in his speech to the "Scenarios" program (12/12/2021) - that the number of mutations in "Omicron" is much more than the previous ones, indicating that the virus mutates To be able to spread more quickly and not to be more powerful, its danger lies in the speed of its spread.
He explained that the reassuring thing is that despite the high number of cases, the rate of hospital admissions did not rise, but what is frightening in Omicron is that the antibodies may reduce their effectiveness to counter the rapid spread of the virus.
For his part, the vaccine expert and professor at the University of Michigan, Ali Fatoum, said that there is a kind of intimidation about this mutant, considering that this is like a preemptive strike, in order for countries to be in a state of self-defense if the number of cases increases, given their expectations and warnings of the mutant.
He added that if the virus is able to bind to cells, there is a possibility for antibodies to prevent and eliminate this virus, considering that there are optimistic data, especially that this mutator is not dangerous.
In turn, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that the mutant does not cause panic, as is being filmed, because information and data about the characteristics of this mutant were shared at an early stage.
She added that there is not enough data so far to determine whether this mutant will cause severe injuries, and to determine its severity.
As for the medical office official at Moderna, the pharmaceutical company, Paul Burton, said that there is a lot of data and information from all countries of the world, but it is necessary to wait for a longer period of time to determine all the characteristics of this mutation, but it is clear that it is rapidly spreading.
He added that there is a beginning to try to produce vaccines directed against the mutant Omicron, but it will take some time to reach accurate research results and test it to identify the need for vaccination against this mutant.
It is reported that the Omicron mutant contains an "extraordinary group" of mutations, estimated by specialized scientists to be more than 30 mutations, that is, times the content of the "Delta" mutant.
It is this large number of mutations that raises concerns that the omicron may be more transmissible and more elusive to antibodies.
However, information and preliminary data about the nature of the new mutant are still conflicting, warning of its danger and speed of spread, and optimism about the possibility of containing it by intensifying vaccination campaigns and giving boosted doses of Corona vaccines.