Coronavirus: WHO warns against next COVID variant, says possibly more infectious and deadlier; What steps should we take now

In a recent question and answer session, the WHO COVID-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove warned against the possibility of a new COVID variant and suggested that the pandemic is far from over.

“Omicron will not be the last variant you will hear us speaking about. The next variant of concern will be more fit and what we mean by that is it will be more transmissible because it will have to overtake what is currently circulating. The big question is whether or not future variants will be more or less severe," she said.

During the press briefing, which went live on WHO's social media, Maria Kerkhove also said that the global health agency is tracking four different versions of Omicron.

She said, “We know a lot about this virus, but we don’t know everything. And quite frankly, the variants are the wild card. So we are tracking this virus in real time as it mutates, as it changes, but this virus has a lot of room to move.”

Also read: Coronavirus: Why you shouldn’t feel ‘invincible’ if you have had COVID

As we have witnessed in the past, every emerging variant has something new to unveil.

The Delta variant, which was first detected in India in October 2020, became the world's most dominant variant. Not only did it infect millions and cause severe complications, but it also claimed a lot of lives.

A year later in November, Omicron variant was detected in South Africa and was immediately declared as a 'variant of concern'. While the new variant does not cause any severe infection, it contains over 30 plus mutations in the spike protein, which not only makes it highly transmissible, but also helps it escape vaccine-induced immunity, adding to the woes of breakthrough infections. To top it off, the WHO has said that people who have had COVID in the past are prone to re-infection, if they come in close contact with the Omicron.

Having said that, though milder, the emerging variants continue to wreak havoc around the world. Therefore, Dr Van Kerkhove warns against a possible new variant and says that there is “no guarantee” the coronavirus will get weaker as it evolves. And while the world may choose to believe so, “we can’t bank on it.”

Almost two years have passed by and the pandemic continues to impact our lives in the more grievous ways.

According to epidemiologist Kerkhove, the next variant could easily evade vaccine immunity, rendering it less efficacious. However, she also recommends taking the "right interventions" to stop the spread of the virus, which includes receiving COVID-19 vaccine shots.

“We expect that with the right interventions, the circulation of Covid-19 will be low. But even within those circulations, there will be flare-ups among people who are not protected by the vaccine or those who have waning immunity,” she said.

While breakthrough infections have occured in the past and will continue to occur in the future, COVID vaccines are said to protect against severe coronavirus infection and minimize hospitalization and death.

Those eligible for vaccine boosters must get their shots immediately, as it is said to provide a more robust immune defense against emerging variants.

The SARs-COV-2 virus has been unpredictable from the time of its origin. The mutations and the variants have only made it difficult for us to settle in.

Now, as the World Health Organization warns against the possibility of a new COVID variant, it is important that we take preventive measures and do not depend entirely on vaccine protection.

Continue wearing your masks regularly. Make sure you put on well-fitted masks that cover both your nose and mouth. Maintain social distancing, wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizers and most importantly, avoid crowded places. Irrespective of whether you're vaccinated or unvaccinated or if you have had COVID in the past, make sure you follow all these measures diligently.

Even if you develop a mild cold or have symptoms that resemble a regular cold or a flu, do not take it lightly. Instead isolate yourself and stay away from people who fall under the high risk category. Until the symptoms are cleared off and you don't feel better, remain grounded.

Self-test kits have become the need of the hour. In the event of mild cold-like symptoms, instead of assuming it to be a mild cold, make sure you have the necessary diagnostic tools with you. This will help you be aware of your condition and will curb the spread of the virus.

However, RT PCR tests are the most accurate form of COVID tests.

See more: Coronavirus symptoms: Can you get long COVID after getting an Omicron infection?