Scientists have warned of more harmful viruses than Omicron. As Omicron and Delta are circulating, people may get double infections that could spawn “Frankenvariants,” hybrids with characteristics of both types.
Omicron’s advance means it won’t be the last version of the coronavirus.
RELATED STORY: Are vaccines still effective against the Omicron variant?
Scientists said that every infection provides a chance for the virus to mutate, and Omicron spreads way faster despite emerging on a planet with a stronger patchwork of immunity from vaccines and prior illness.
Experts said there’s no guarantee the sequels of Omicron will cause milder illness or any existing vaccines will work against them and urged wider vaccination at the soonest possible time.
READ ON: PH warns Omicron COVID-19 cases might double this February 2022
Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, said the faster Omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants.
