Scientists are trying to understand why the omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading so fast. They already know that omicron can infect vaccinated people, which is a big advantage for the virus. What researchers have also discovered is that omicron multiplies much faster than delta, a previous variant, and infects cells higher in the respiratory tract. Listen to learn how these and other adaptations make omicron a more contagious, although not necessarily more deadly, virus.
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December 13, 2021
3:01
While the vast majority of recent COVID-19 infections in the U.S. are caused by the delta variant, a new coronavirus variant, omicron, is beginning to spread. Preliminary tests show that current vaccines are much less effective at fighting omicron, a strain with multiple mutations. Although scientists expect to see more breakthrough infections as omicron spreads, they say being vaccinated will continue to protect people from severe illness and hospitalization. Listen to learn about how to stay safe from a highly contagious new viral strain.
Read MoreAugust 9, 2021
4:56
The CDC recently recommended that even people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 wear masks in crowded indoor settings. The guidance was issued to help reduce the spread of a highly contagious version of the coronavirus, the delta variant, that is spreading quickly throughout the country. Unvaccinated people are at much greater risk of serious illness, although vaccinated people can become infected and transmit the virus to others. Listen to hear the director of the National Institutes of Health discuss his thoughts on school reopenings and explain why getting vaccinated is still the best way to stay safe and protect others.
Read MoreJuly 26, 2021
3:25
The rate of COVID-19 infections is rising throughout the U.S. as a variant of the virus continues to spread. The delta variant is much more contagious than the original virus that was spreading in 2020. Unvaccinated people are most at risk for sickness and hospitalization. Listen to hear more about the rising infection rates and what medical experts are saying about how to stay safe.
Read MoreAugust 5, 2020
3:54
People infected with COVID-19 are often “silent spreaders,” able to infect others with the virus while showing no symptoms of illness themselves. The symptoms of COVID-19 often do not appear for several days in a newly infected person, but it is during this pre-symptomatic period that the person is most contagious. Because of this, public health experts are finding coronavirus especially hard to contain. Listen to an epidemiology professor describe the challenges of containing a virus that spreads silently, and which strategies have been proven to work best.
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