What we don't know about the Omicron variant

The discovery of Omicron has triggered anxiety in many Australians but it's important to note almost all coverage of the new variant so far is speculative.

Very little is known about Omicron, the B.1.1.529 strain, which emerged in South Africa just days ago.

Some of the answers we want to know - like the severity of Omicron - won't be established for weeks.

READ MORE: What we know about Omicron, the new COVID-19 variant

With that in mind, here's everything we don't know about Omicron.

The danger of Omicron

Scientists know Omicron is genetically distinct from previous variants, including the Beta and Delta variants, but they do not know if these genetic changes make it any more transmissible or dangerous.

So far, there is no indication the variant causes more severe disease.

How long could that take?

It will likely take weeks to sort out if Omicron is more infectious.

READ MORE: How Australia's states and territories are responding to the Omicron variant

Are vaccines still effective against it?

The jury is out, but experts are hopeful.

Professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, Peter Openshaw, said it is "extremely unlikely" current vaccines won't work, noting they are effective against numerous other variants.

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Will Omicron pose a major health threat?

The large number of mutations in Omicron is potentially worrying.

But it's still unclear if those dozens of mutations to the virus' spike protein will end up posing a public health threat.

Remember, some previous variants, like Beta, initially alarmed scientists but didn't end up spreading very far.

Will Omicron take over Delta?

The jury is out on whether Omicron will replace Delta as the dominant variant circulating the world.

To date, Delta is by far the most predominant form of COVID-19.

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