Omicron is a new variant of SARS-COV-2 that was reported to the World Health Organization on November 24, 2021. It was first detected on November 11, 2021 in Botswana and then on November 14, 2021 in South Africa. India is also observing the outbreak of this variant, worrying the health experts as well as people in general. Since it spreads faster than previous variants, it is becoming a matter of global health concern.
The health experts are also requesting the public to not take the safety precautions lightly and certain travel norms are also being implemented. In order to stay cautious during this time, it is important to stay aware.
Facts About Omicron
Listed below are some of the major aspects you should remember in order to stay prepared:
1. Omicron Spread
The Omicron variant is more likely to spread more easily than the SARS-COV-2 virus. But when compared to the Delta variant, the speed of its spread remains unknown.
2. Health Issues Caused
More data is required to know whether this variant causes more issues in health in those who have already got infections earlier or are fully vaccinated.
3. Vaccination Effectiveness
It is reported that even if you are fully vaccinated, contracting Omicron is highly likely. Whereas, the vaccination will prove to be effective in fighting other variants, preventing hospitalizations, severe illnesses, and deaths.
4. Treatment Against Omicron
Health experts are trying to determine how well the existing COVID-19 treatments would work. With the changed genetic formation of Omicron, few of the treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
Precautions to be Taken
Here are some of the precautions that you should take in order to ensure safety against the new variant:
1. Vaccination
Vaccine is still the best health measure to get protection from COVID-19, slow down transmission, and reduce the chances of new deadly variants emerging. As mentioned earlier, vaccines have helped in preventing severe illnesses, hospitalization, and death. WHO recommends getting fully vaccinated.
2. Wear Masks
Masks provide protection against all kinds of variants. It is recommended to wear masks in public as well as indoors to avoid any community transmission, regardless of your vaccination status. It is better that you choose to stay in well-ventilated and open spaces than the closed ones.
3. Maintain Distance
Maintain a safe distance of at least 2 meter from others and avoid close contact with the people who are ill. Remember that people without symptoms may also spread viruses, so it is better to avoid getting closer.
Besides these precautions, don’t forget to wash/sanitize your hands often, follow respiratory hygienic measures, and make sure to follow your local guidelines. The idea is to be safe and not scared. Therefore, it is essential to cooperate with your community.
Conclusion
Since the Omicron variant has just emerged, there is not much information about it, including the intensity of the symptoms. The studies that came out from South Africa, where this virus has achieved its dominance, indicate that the transmission is quite high; the symptoms are mild; and patients require less medical involvement. They also show that the virus is majorly infecting younger, unvaccinated people.
Until further information about this variant, it is better to take all the precautions like avoiding large indoor gatherings, doing proper hand wash, follow social distancing, and wearing a mask to protect yourself and others. Overall, this new variant is a reminder that we shouldn’t neglect safety for ourselves and the ones we care about.
