Coronavirus FAQ: Help with Omicron Vocab

When reading about the new omicron variant, many may feel they need a medical degree to decipher the vocab into plain language. NPR turned to three COVID-wise experts to help translate some of the terms individuals are likely to run across. Mutation: A mutation is a change in a virus's genetic code. Variant: In essence, a variant is a version of the virus with a slightly different genetic sequence because of the appearance of mutations. Transmissibility: The ability of a virus to spread from infected people to others. Immune evasion: After an infection or a vaccine, your body produces antibodies that can detect and kill the virus upon a subsequent exposure. See the full article and explanations translated into plain language here.