Jakarta (ANTARA) – Not only is Omicron more infectious than other variants of COVID-19, it also appears to be more immune from vaccines and previous infections, according to William Schaffner, MD, professor of health at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, MD.
Despite Omicron’s rapid spread, the good news is that COVID-19 prevention strategies such as masks, vaccinations and social distancing can slow its transmission.
As for masks, they are effective at reducing the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCO.
This is because masks are not specific for the COVID-19 variant. These masks act as a barrier and filter virus particles from the air we breathe, said Dr. Schaffner as quoted from Health, Sunday.
However, masks can be imperfect barriers, meaning some virus particles can still escape. The chances of some particles escaping may be even greater when it comes to the Omicron variant.
“Omicron produces more viruses, even than Delta,” said Schaffner who revealed several studies have found this new variant produces 70 times the amount of virus than Delta.
Even so, that doesn’t mean masks are useless against Omicron. In order for a mask to be effective in protecting oneself from COVID-19, it must meet certain criteria, namely it fits on the side of the face so that it does not have a gap, has a nose wire to prevent air leakage from above, must not have a valve or respiratory vent that allows virus particles to escape.
Surgical masks and cloth masks multi-layer according to those guidelines, said Schaffner.
If you want more protection, wear a cloth mask after a disposable medical mask. You can also choose the specially designed KN95, N95 or KF94. But most importantly, the mask should cover your mouth and nose.
On the other hand, other necessary prevention of COVID-19 is vaccines. Although indeed, according to Schaffner, Omicron can even infect people who have been fully vaccinated and get a booster.
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