Throughout the pandemic, we witnessed several mutations of the coronavirus. And it continues evolving, with new variants coming frequently. Many of these covid variants have little or no impact on humans. But a new covid-variant-Omnicron has raised concerns all over the world.
Omicron has been declared a virus of concern by the World Health Organisation just after two days of its identification- Because of its high number of mutations. As this variant is new, scientists have just started learning about it. And they are getting successful in revealing information such as how its spread affects the genetics of the infected person and a lot more.
Omicron contagious or not
Though researchers claim that the omicron variant is more contagious than the delta variant, no evidence indicates that the standard prevention strategies such as vaccination, washing hands, wearing masks are not effective in reducing the infection and transmission of omicron. So, one should not avoid visiting doctors in Liverpool for any health-related issues just by the mere thought of the omicron variant.
Difference between the delta and the omicron variant?
It would be too early to declare that the omicron variant is worse than the delta. The early signs indicate that it could lead to severe covid-19. However, scientists need more time to compare its infectivity with other variants. According to researchers, data found from southern Africa is helping them with their new finding on this virus. But the fact that most of the people hospitalized for the symptoms of this new variant in South Africa are younger makes it difficult for them to reach any conclusion.
According to the south African department of health- Omicron, delta and other variants of coronavirus such as alpha, gamma and beta variants have similar mutations( to some extent) in their spike protein. However, in aggregate, this new covid- variant has more mutations in its spike protein. More variations do not mean that the virus is more dangerous, but it simply means that it has adapted itself according to the human species.
Symptoms of Omicron
Most people infected with the covid-19 omicron variant have mild symptoms like fatigue, cough and runny nose. On ten December, the morbidity and mortality weekly report(MMWR) provided data of 43 omicron cases. In this report, around 89% of people reported cough, 59% running nose, and 8% reported loss of smell and taste. Delta variant has also changed its way slightly. Now cold symptoms like runny nose and headaches have become more common in delta -variant.
Effectiveness of vaccine on omicron variant
Some researches indicate that the immune response generated from the current vaccine could be less effective against new variants of coronavirus. The immune system contains components such as B cells that create antibodies and T cells that react to the infections. So, reduction in anyone does not mean that the vaccine/protection is ineffective.
People who have been fully vaccinated are less likely to be hospitalized and die. However, they still need to watch for any changes in the guidance and visit medical centre in Blacktown for more information.
Global response
The world responded quite swiftly to the new covid-19 variant. Some countries restricted travel to and from South Africa, while some re-introduced lockdown. Vaccination has increased the immunity of large populations. And people infected with the delta variant are recovered, and their bodies develop antibodies. Some countries are also planning to give booster shots to their citizens for protection against the omicron variant. However, people should also follow the precautions to reduce the spread of new covid-19 variants.
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