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How Contagious Is The Omicron Variant?

How contagious is the new COVID-19 variant Omicron? Joe Gastaldo, MD, OhioHealth System Medical Director for Infectious Diseases weighs in.  

We continue to learn more about the Omicron variant of SARS Coronavirus-2. This variant is more transmissible – meaning if people have it, they are more contagious.  

This variant has the most mutations on it, most of which are on the spike protein, which likely leads to a higher affinity to the ACE-2 Receptor. Based on information out of the United Kingdom and South Africa, Omicron doubles in public infections every two days. For comparison, the Delta variant doubled approximately every seven days.  

Omicron is in our state and in our country, and for all practical purposes, it is taking off.  Be sure to continue to mask up, socially distance and watch for symptoms. 


Want to learn more about common COVID-19 questions? Check our Fast Facts page.

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