Omicron - A new COVID Variant - Must know

 

Updates on the Omicron COVID Variant: In India, four cases of Omicron have been discovered; According to the Centre, the severity of Omicron would be low in India. The ministry of health says they would contact specialists before deciding on booster shots. For people over 40 and at high risk, INSACOG advises a booster dose. 

The Karnataka government has instructed all apartment owners to only allow those who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter their premises. 

It has also instructed organisations to allow only persons who have taken both doses to gather on their grounds.

This comes just a day after the government announced that only persons who have been double-vaccinated will be permitted into all public locations, including malls, cinemas, and other entertainment venues.

On the suggestion of WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE), WHO recognised the variety B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, termed Omicron, on November 26, 2021. This conclusion was made based on data submitted to the TAG-VE that Omicron contains a number of alterations that could affect how it acts, such as how easy it spreads or the severity of the sickness it causes. Review here a rundown of everything it is known right now.

Omicron's current state of knowledge

Many parts of Omicron are being studied by researchers in South Africa and around the world, and the findings will be shared as they become available.

Transmissibility: 

It's unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible (easier to pass from person to person) than other variations, such as Delta. In the afflicted areas of South Africa, the number of people testing positive has increased.

Epidemiologic investigations are being conducted to determine whether it is due to Omicron or other reasons.

Disease severity: 

It is unknown whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other forms, such as Delta. According to preliminary data, hospitalisation rates are rising in South Africa, however this could be due to an increase in the general number of persons becoming infected rather than a specific Omicron illness. 

There is currently no evidence that the symptoms associated with Omicron are distinct from those associated with other variations. The first cases of infection was amongst university students, who are younger and had a milder condition, although determining the severity of the Omicron form will take days to weeks. All COVID-19 variations, including the globally widespread Delta variant, can cause severe sickness or death, especially in the most vulnerable persons, hence prevention is always the best option.

Vaccine effectiveness

WHO is working with scientific partners to determine the impact of this variation on existing remedies, such as vaccines. Vaccines, notably those against the major circulating form, Delta, are crucial in lowering severe disease and death. Current immunizations are still effective in preventing serious illness and death.

People should do the following actions

Individuals can reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus by maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 Meter from others

Wearing a well-fitting mask 

Opening windows to improve ventilation

Avoiding poorly ventilated or crowded spaces

Keeping hands clean

Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue

And getting vaccinated when their turn comes.

 

As more information becomes available, including following TAG-VE meetings, WHO will continue to provide updates. In addition, the WHO's digital and social media channels will be updated with new information.

References: Twitter; The Hindu, WHO, Times of India

Pics courtesy: pexels.com, twitter.com