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Not all strains of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) acquire as much attention as choose few of them like Omicron and Delta. Virus transformations are very common and not all variants would have a name because the evolution process is continuous. This variant will spread more easily than the genuine SARS- CoV- 2 virus. In fact, it spreads faster as compared to Delta which still remains unknown.
CDC expects has said that people infected with the Omicron variant can spread the infection to others even after the vaccination. Not only this, it doesn’t matter if they have any symptoms or not, they will still spread the infection. The scientists are still working with the partners to collect data and virus samples to answer important queries about the Omicron variant.
Most Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” include tiredness, fever, loss of smell or taste, and cough.
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms for this variant “Omicron” are sore throat, aches, headache, diarrhea, skin rashes, fingers discoloration, or toes as well. Irritated or red eyes are also included.
Serious Symptoms
The main and severe symptom of this variant are breathing issues or shortness of breath, loss of mobility or speech, chest pain, or confusion.
What more to know about Omicron?
Transmissibility- Still it is not clear if the Omicron is more infectious in comparison to other variants like Delta. The number of infected people has risen in South Africa affected by this variant. But epidemiologic studies are still awaited for the result t understand if it is due to Omicron or other factors.
Disease Severity- Preliminary data recommend that there are increasing rates of hospitalization rates in South Africa but it might be because of enhancement of overall people becoming infected. Instead of the specific infection result with Omicron, there is no information currently to suggest that symptoms of Omicron are different from those from other variants. Preliminary infections reported to university students and younger individuals tend to have more mild diseases. But when it comes to understanding the severity level of the Omicron variants will take a few weeks. All COVID variants which are dominant across the world can cause severe disease or death in most vulnerable people and hence precautions and prevention are very necessary.
Vaccines effectiveness- WHO is still working with their partners to understand the possible impact of this variant on the existing countermeasures, like vaccines. These still remain critical to lessen the disease and death including dominant circulating variants like Delta. But current vaccines are effective against this disease that causes death.
Effectiveness of Current Tests- The extensively used PCR tests detects an infection that includes infection with Omicron. Studies are still ongoing to determine if there is any impact on other tests type that includes rapid antigen detection tests.
Current Treatments Effectiveness- IL6 Receptor and Corticosteroids Blockers will be still effective to cure patients with severe COVID-19. Other cures will be appraised to check if they still are as effectual as the changes to the Omicron variants virus.
Precautions to Fight Omicron
Vaccines
- Yes, as we already have discussed vaccines remain the best measure to stay prevented against COVID-. It slows down the transmission and reduces emerge of new variants.
- COVID-19 Vaccines are effective at protecting against severe illness, death, and hospitalizations
- DCD suggests that everyone 5 years and older prevent themselves from COVID-19 by being vaccinated properly
- Research is still ongoing to investigate Omicron that includes how protecte are people who are fully vaccinated against infection
- CDC suggests that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least every two months after the initial vaccine or six months after completing their first vaccination series of COVID-19
Masks
Masks offer protection against all variants. The most noticeable thing you can do is lessen the exposure risk to the virus. To keep yourself protected and your loved ones to ensure
- It is advisable to maintain social distancing of at least 1 meter
- Never forget to cover your mouth and nose with mask. Ensure that your hands are clean when you put and remove the mask
- Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces
- Wash the hands frequently
- Open the Windows to enhance ventilation indoors
- When it is your turn, get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines that are approved by WHO is highly effective and safe also
This new variant Omicron is really a reminder that one should use multiple safety precaution tips for ourselves and for those whom you care about.
