What is Omicron?
Omicron (B.1.1.529) is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has been identified initially in COVID-19 patients in Botswana and South Africa. The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) felt that this virus had too many mutations and may be easily spread globally causing a spike in COVID cases worldwide. Hence, TAG-VE labelled it a Variant of Concern(VOC). Delta is the other variants that has been previously labelled as VOC.
First identified: South Africa
Spread: May spread more easily than other variants, including Delta.
Severe illness and death: Due to the small number of cases, the current severity of illness and death associated with this variant is unclear.
Top Things You Need to Know
- New variants of the virus are expected to occur. Taking steps to reduce the spread of infection, including getting a COVID-19 vaccine, are the best way to slow the emergence of new variants.
- Vaccines reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
- COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for adults ages 18 and older. Teens 16–17 years old who received Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines can get a booster dose if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
How long does it take for Omicron symptoms to appear?
The newly discovered Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading at a rapid pace in different parts of the world, including India. The country reported 175 new cases of Omicron variant in the morning taking the total tally of people infected with this new strain to 1892. Although the symptoms of Omicron are believed to be milder than that of Delta, the rising cases have stirred fear and panic among people, raising concern over the third wave of the coronavirus. Yet it is too early to say anything about the complications related to Omicron infections and the effectiveness of the vaccines as the strain is relatively new and not much data is available on it. Looking at the current scenario, the best possible solution is to follow COVID norms and get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection.
Symptoms of Omicron
The first few symptoms of Omicron are mild fever, fatigue, scratchy throat and body pain. Loss of smell and taste, which was a common ailment during the infection with Delta variant is not associated with omicron. As far as, post-infection complication of the new variant of concern goes, no information on this matter is available till now. Researchers are still trying to gather more data on this new strain that originated in South Africa just over a month ago.
Preventive measures your should take
If you have come in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, immediately isolate yourself. Stay away from others for at least 10 days to reduce the risk of infection. In the meantime, get yourself tested. Even if you are vaccinated or have been following all the COVID norms, isolation is essential to protect your loved one from the risk of infection. If you witness any symptoms related to COVID-19 during the isolation period, contact your doctor to know the further course of action.
Why do you need to be more careful
With the drop in the temperature, there is a double threat of respiratory infections in the form of COVID and influenza. Both the conditions are related to the respiratory system and are caused by different viruses. If infected by both the situation can get worse as our body might find it harder to fight both viruses at once. So, it is best to avoid crowded places, wear a mask, maintain hygiene and get yourself vaccinated to cut down the risk of infection.
What is Florona and what are its symptoms
Amid the lingering fear of the third wave of coronavirus due to the rising cases of Omicron variant across the globe, Israel has reported its first case of the florona. The rare mixture of two diseases caused by concurrent coronavirus and flu infection was diagnosed in a woman who recently gave birth in a hospital in Petah Tikva city, in central Israel. As per the initial reports, the young woman was unvaccinated against COVID-19. Her symptoms were relatively mild, and she is expected to be discharged soon. Here is what you need to know about this condition.
