Yet another new variant of the COVID-19 virus has doctors concerned. The World Health Organization or WHO, classified the new variant as omicron. On December 1st, the variant was detected in California and is being classified as a variant of concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a variant of concern is a variant that has the potential for higher disease transmission and more severe cases.

Dr. Bill Walsh, Chief Medical Officer for OSF Healthcare in Evergreen Park says that the Omicron variant has origins in South Africa.

According to the WHO, the omicron variant has many concerning mutations and one is an increased risk of infection. Doctors are concerned that people who have previously had COVID-19 could become re-infected more easily. Studies indicate a lot more information is needed though. Meanwhile, Dr. Walsh says you can continue doing the things you do now to help keep yourself safe from COVID.

Health experts are still recommending you get your booster when you are eligible. Even with the mutations, Dr. Walsh says that getting the booster is your best protection against getting COVID.

Dr. Walsh compares getting your COVID-19 vaccine to wearing a seatbelt and says if you can do more to protect yourself, why wouldn't you.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and the Omicron variant, contact your primary healthcare physician.