New Covid-19 Variant Omicron : What Do You Need To Know?
The new Covid-19 variant Omicron has taken the entire globe by storm. In fact, according to the world health organisation it is considered as a “variant of concern”. WHO appropriated a new name for the variant - Omicron on 26th November, 2021. It has raised concerns, and has many mutations in comparison to the Delta variant. However, it is still unclear how big a threat it can cause to the masses. In this blog post, we have brought up the summary that is recently discovered.
Where did it begin from?
Omicron was first identified in South Africa. Also, it has been found in other countries including Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong and Italy. According to the researchers in South Africa and across the globe, it is not clear if this variant is transferable or not. “It might take days to several weeks to inspect the new variant” says WHO. To put in simple words, the transmissibility is due to the new variant or other factors.
Can it affect you?
Just like the transmissibility, the severity facts are also unsettled. With so many cases in South Africa, it is believed that this infection may be due to a large number of people getting affected or the outcome of some specific infection related to Omicron. Every covid variant including the Delta Variant can result in severe disease or even death.
Is vaccination still effective?
WHO is researching and exploring if this new variant has any impact on the remedies which we have, including the vaccinations. So far, the vaccines have been successful against the severe diseases and deaths.
How practical are the tests?
The PCR test is widely used to detect the infection including Omicron. At the same time, the studies are also going on to identify if there is any type of percussion on other tests along with the rapid antigen tests.
What is the government's response?
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, chaired a meeting with officials and discussed the current vaccination status in India. The meeting had a discussion about the impact of the new variant on various countries. The Prime Minister guided the masses to be proactive in the wake of Omicron and take proper precautions including social distancing and mask wearing.
Takeaway
Let’s be clear! We need to take our own responsibility. As it is said, prevention is better than cure. Steps that you can take to avoid omicron infection are to wear a mask, proper ventilation, avoid crowded spaces, clean hands, cough or sneeze into tissue or a bent elbow, and the most important vaccination.