HOUGHTON — Since the Omicron variant was first detected in the United States on Dec. 1, it has swept across the country, becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks.

The variant has now been detected in all 50 states. U.S. case numbers have surged, reaching their highest levels since late summer. Hospitalization rates have climbed too, especially in the Midwest and New England.

Over the past week, the U.S. averaged 201,330 new cases, 70,950 hospitalizations, and 1,345 deaths per day. Michigan averaged 6,533 daily cases with 3,877 hospitalizations and 126 deaths.

Many things remain unknown about the new variant, but its rapid spread poses a significant threat to the country’s pandemic recovery. However, there are some positive signs from recent studies of the new variant.

More data is needed to determine how Omicron compares to other variants when it comes to severe illness or death. But three recent studies indicate that Omicron infections may result in milder cases than other variants.

These studies, conducted in South Africa, Scotland, and England, found that individuals infected with Omicron were less likely to become severely ill or be hospitalized. This news is encouraging, suggesting that nations may be able to weather the Omicron surge with less illness and fewer deaths.

However, these studies are preliminary and researchers noted that their results may have been influenced by a variety of other factors. Even if Omicron is less likely to cause serious illness, its heightened transmissibility could still cause it to overwhelm hospitals and cause increased death rates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that it is very likely that Omicron spreads more easily than earlier variants. Anyone who becomes infected can spread the virus to others, even if they are asymptomatic or vaccinated.

Omicron also seems to cause more breakthrough infections, or infections among people who are vaccinated. This leaves more people at risk of infection and allows the variant to spread more easily. However, preliminary data indicates that infections among the vaccinated tend to be mild.

Despite breakthrough infections, the CDC says that vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

According to the CDC, the emergence of Omicron makes it even more critical that Americans get vaccinated and boosted. The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older get fully vaccinated, and everyone ages 18 and older get a booster shot.

Another cause for optimism is the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of the first pill to treat COVID-19. Pfizer, the maker of the pill, reported that it is likely effective against Omicron.

Although vaccination rates are slowly increasing, the US lags behind many other countries. According to data from the CDC and U.S. Census Bureau, 73% of eligible Americans have received at least one vaccine dose, and 62% are fully vaccinated. In Michigan, these rates are 63% and 57% respectively.

As scientists and public health officials continue to learn more about Omicron, vaccination remains the most effective protection against all COVID-19 variants. Americans are encouraged to get boosted as quickly as possible. Boosters provide the strongest protection against both serious illness and initial infection from all COVID-19 variants.