THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 OMICRON VARIANT

With WHO declaring COVID-19 Omicron a variant of concern (VoC) and countries across the world renewing lockdowns, should India brace itself for the worst possible scenario? Not really! Instead of pressing the panic button, we should adhere to and follow proven measures to safeguard ourselves from the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The Omicron variant was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on November 24, 2021. On November 26, 2021, WHO named the B.1.1.529 Omicron and declared it a variant of concern. 

What do we know about Omicron?

1) Infection and Transmissibility  

The COVID-19 Omicron variant is known to spread more rapidly than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) elucidates that those infected with Omicron can spread the virus to others even if they are fully vaccinated or don’t show any symptoms.  

2) Severity 

It is unclear if Omicron causes severe illness, as there isn’t sufficient data to gauge the severity. Though preliminary data reveals it to be milder than the previous variants, increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa indicate otherwise. 

The rapid transmissibility may cause more severe disease and fatality in the affected individuals. Also, it is still unclear if COVID-19 Omicron variant symptoms are different from that of the Delta variant. 

Will existing COVID-19 vaccines work against Omicron? 

All current COVID-19 vaccines will continue to protect against severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated individuals cannot be ruled out.

Studies are underway to understand the extent to which the virus evades the vaccine and/or infection-derived immunity or provides protection against severe disease and death. There have been no reports of the development of the COVID-19 Omicron variant vaccine as yet. The emergence of this variant has made it crucial to bolster the rate of vaccination and booster doses in populations further across the world. 

Reinfection in who had COVID-19  

Research shows that those who had COVID-19 previously are at increased risk of Omicron variant infection. Studies are still in the nascent stage, and more data is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Will current tests detect Omicron? 

PCR tests will continue to detect COVID-19 infection, including Omicron. Studies are underway to determine if the variant has any impact on other types of tests, such as rapid antigen detection tests. 

Will the current treatment be effective? 

Medications such as corticosteroids and IL-6 receptor blockers will continue to be effective in treating patients with severe COVID-19. Research is being done to determine the effectiveness of these drugs against the COVID-19 Omicron variant. 

Should we be concerned about Omicron? 

It should be noted that WHO declares a variant as a VoC only after assessing the detrimental changes in the virus’s epidemiology, increase in its virulence, and change in its clinical disease presentation. 

The COVID-19 Omicron variant has been declared a VoC based on its observed mutations and predicted features of its rapid transmission. While there isn’t a need to panic, precautions and steps should be taken to prevent catching the Omicron infection.  

Why do variants occur? 

Variants are a normal result of virus propagation. The virus will continue to mutate as long as it can infect, replicate and transmit. However, not all variants are dangerous, and they gain prominence only when they become more infectious. The only way to reduce the mutation rate is to reduce the number of infections. 

What can we do to stop the virus from spreading? 

We already know a range of proven measures that could help us stay protected from COVID-19 and other variants, including the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Below are some steps that need to be followed to prevent the virus from spreading:

• Getting vaccinated is imperative for everyone as it can reduce the severity of the disease. It will also help curb the spread of the virus, especially when it mutates. 
• To further reduce the risk of exposure to infection and prevent ourselves from passing COVID-19 Omicron Variant to others:
• Wear a well-fitted mask
• Maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter
• Avoid crowded and closed settings
• Clean and sanitize hands
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or bent elbow 
   

Apart from this, national and local governments must conduct a risk-benefit analysis and implement necessary travel measures. 

Those with comorbidities (such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease), who have not been fully vaccinated, are unwell, and those above 60 years of age are at increased risk of Omicron infection. Such people should postpone travel plans and avoid going to crowded places. 

Travelers should be vigilant about signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and adhere to all COVID-19 protocols, regardless of their vaccination status.

COVID-19 Omicron Variant in India—Is it the third wave knocking? 

After a disastrous 2nd wave, the COVID-19 cases have been declining sharply across India. Restrictions have been eased, and offices, educational institutes, markets, restaurants, tours, and travels are just returning to normalcy.  

India is a densely populated country, and as we have witnessed with the previous variant, the COVID-19 Omicron variant, if allowed to spread, could trigger a possible third wave in the country. 

COVID-19 Omicron variant has rapidly spread to various countries, but the scale of rise in cases and its severity is unknown at this point. While it has been anticipated that the fast vaccination rate and high exposure to the Delta variant in India are likely to alleviate the severity, this thought lacks scientific backing. Hence, vaccination, taking precautions, and adhering to social distancing norms should be practiced. 

If you experience symptoms such as cold, fever, body aches, loss of taste and smell, and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. 

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