How does omicron differ from earlier virus variants? | DW News - latest news and breaking stories | DW | 13.01.2022

Visit the new DW website

Take a look at the beta version of dw.com. We're not done yet! Your opinion can help us make it better.

Go to the new dw.com

We use cookies to improve our service for you. You can find more information in our data protection declaration.

More info OK
  1. Inhalt
  2. Navigation
  3. Weitere Inhalte
  4. Metanavigation
  5. Suche
  6. Choose from 30 Languages

DW News

How does omicron differ from earlier virus variants?

We're still learning about omicron and how it differs from previous coronavirus variants. But the high number of new cases in many countries indicates that it's the most infectious variant so far.

Watch video 03:52

More in the Media Center

Omicron boosters are coming

Omicron boosters are coming 09.06.2022

The pathogens that cause monkeypox and COVID-19 have much in common, but there are key differences.

COVID-19 and monkeypox: Similar but different 16.06.2022

DW science correspondent Derrick Williams looks at whether the Omicron variant originated in animals or humans.

Where does Omicron come from? 02.06.2022

Your (very informative) emails

Your (very informative) emails 24.06.2022

More from Covid-19 Special

DW Covid-19 Special Sendungslogo englisch

COVID-19 Special: Coronavirus and the Environment 23.06.2022

Emergent Ceiba Tree (Ceiba pentandra) along Napo River Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador. South America

Back to the roots 23.06.2022

The WHO says there is no proof that ivermectin helps against COVID.

The false promise of ivermectin 23.06.2022

A study is investigating the links between fine particulate matter pollution and COVID-19 cases.

Fine particulate matter and COVID-19 cases 23.06.2022

Read also

Neue Coronavirus Covid 19 SARS-CoV-2 Variante Omicron B.1.1.529, Südafrikanische Mutation Omikron Text auf dem Asphalt

Omicron BA.5: No one is fully protected 13.06.2022

There's a new omicron subvariant taking over: BA.5. Scientists expect it will soon be responsible for most COVID-19 infections. But how dangerous is it? And what protection can vaccines offer?

Lucas Hutten, 15, receives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine by Andrew Mac (R) at the Jewish Federation/JARC's offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on May 13, 2021. - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 10, 2021 authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 years old. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

US decides to approve COVID-19 vaccines for small children 15.06.2022

US authorities determined COVID-19 vaccines should be given to children under 5, the only age group that is still ineligible for the jabs in the country.

Dresden 31.07.2021 Ein Schild mit dem Hinweis auf die Maskenpflicht klebt am Schaufenster eines Geschäfts auf der Einkaufsmeile Prager Straße. Nach dem Anstieg der Corona-Fallzahlen gelten in Dresden ab dem Wochenende wieder schärfere Regeln. Von diesem Samstag an muss in der Landeshauptstadt beim Einkaufen und in einigen anderen Bereichen wieder Maske getragen werden. +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++

German health minister hints at stricter winter COVID rules 17.06.2022

Karl Lauterbach has recommended the voluntary wearing of masks indoors and indicated that stricter rules could be on their way. Those hit early in the Omicron wave may be vulnerable to reinfection.

An employee of the Central Post Office disinfects a vehicle amid COVID-19 spread prevention efforts in Pyongyang, North Korea in this photo dated May 22, 2022 and released May 23, 2022 by the country's Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.

Could North Korea become a breeding ground for new COVID-19 mutations? 07.06.2022

With few people vaccinated, an overwhelmed medical service, and generally poor health among its population, virologists fear North Korea could be the source of dangerous new mutations of the virus.