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Omicron, the latest Covid-19 variant, is spreading fast around the world. Originally reported in South Africa, it has now been found in over 40 countries. Scientists have reported a number of concerning mutations which have the potential to affect our response and the severity of infection.

Matthew Fox, Professor of Global Epidemiology from Boston University, rounds up the latest findings on infectiousness, vaccine effectiveness and whether the new variant will lead to more hospitalisations. He says that although a labatory study suggests that more antibodies are needed to fight the Omicron variant than for previous strains, vaccinations and boosters should be able to reduce the worst consequences.

"In order to neutralise the Omicron variant, you need much more antibodies than for the previous strains - so you will need a more robust antibody response to be able to fend off the variant."

Photo: A stock photo of the Omicron variant Credit: Getty Images