Update On A New Variant Omicron – healthytalk8

doctor checking patient body temperature

OVER VIEW

In recent times, a new virus has knocked on the world level, which is being named Omicron, this is the mutation version of the Coronavirus itself.

Many questions are being raised about this like – whether it will create havoc like the Delta version or not.

Why did gov across the world go into panic mode? and many more questions.

The WHO warned that – the Omicron virus could be more dangerous.

It has the potential to make the pandemic more formidable. although it is not yet clear how deadly it is.

doctor checking patient body temperature

What Is Omicron?

Omicron or B.1.1.529 is a mutation version of the Delta virus.

NOTE: There are more than 50 mutations in the Omicron virus and 32 mutations in the protein spike.

It was first discovered in the country Botswana (Africa country), but scientists from South Africa reported this virus to the WHO first on 24 November.

NOTE: But, now the Dutch Health Authority has said in its statement that they had seen this new variant available in the sample of people infected with the coronavirus on 19 November.

But the problem is that its symptoms are slightly different from the symptoms of other variants of coronavirus including:

  • Oxygen saturation levels do not fall
  • Sense of taste and smell are not lose
  • Fatigue (Omicron symptoms)

Type of Variant

The Who has divided the variant of Covid-19 into 2 categories, variant of concern, and Variant of interest.

Since, then, this variety has been identified in many countries. and On 26 November 2021, the WHO labelled this variant as the “variant of concern”.

According to the WHO, there are 2 “variants of interest” (these variants may be potentially problematic).

  • Lambda variant, which was discovered in Peru in December 2020.
  • Mu variant, which was found in Colombia in Jan 2021.

According to the WHO, there are 4 variants of concern (means – increase the transmissibility, easily spread, or the severity of the disease increase till now include:

Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. In these Delta was the most dangerous variant.

NOTE: This new Omicron variant has become the 5th variant to enter the VOC category.

NOTE: This is why the worldwide gov, and WHO are worried about it, that somewhere like the Delta variant, it may cause havoc in the whole world.

Is Omicron Deadly?

In South Africa, a case study suggested that the test positivity significantly increased within a week from 1% to 30%.

A disease modelling scientist has estimated that this strain is 500% more transmissible.

If we compare it to Delta, it seems to be more transmissible.

Even, the WHO also said that Omicron is much more transmissible (which means the more transmissible viruses, are often less deadly.)

NOTE: The question is omicron is more deadly? the clear cut is still pending?

But the Scientists say that it will take a few weeks to determine correctly. but the preliminary data from South Africa show that hospitalization has increased.

In fact, it depends on how the vaccine works toward Omicron.

A new study suggests that this virus can also neutralize the effect of the vaccines.

Many Other reports also say that due to it being more transmissible, the death rate will also be very less.

What about – In India?

Omicron has spread in almost all countries In today’s time. India is also not behind it, As of 6/dec/2021, 21 new Omicron cases have been found in India.

And those who have tested positive for it initially have sore throat and fever.

There will be more cases of this new variant in the future, so make sure to wear a mask, avoid crowded areas and keep sanitizing yourself.

NOTE: But the important question is whether along with India, in all other countries, there will be a lockdown or not.

Check out a daily update – On Omicron

How Fast is New Variant Spread?

It is spreading very quickly. more than twice as fast as the delta variant.

You can estimate this speed, from the first case in a city in Africa on November 24, till now (7 Dec, it has spread to almost all the major countries of the world)

There are over 100 recorded cases in Uk, Dozens in other countries daily it emerges in more.

It is spread very fast, but the good thing is that its seriousness has not been noticed in patients yet.

What can we do?

Firstly, don’t panic, but also don’t take it lightly, more infectious does not mean more deadly.

At least, we have to be careful for the next 2 weeks, because research on this variant has just begun, that means as the research into this continues scientists will uncover more facts about Omicron like:

  • Will the vaccine work against this patient or not?
  • Will people again undergo massive hospitalizations or not?

So what can we do in this situation? make sure to do these things. they include:

  • Avoid crowded areas like airports, railway stations, etc
  • wear mask
  • sanitize yourself
  • If work is possible from home then do it from home

NOTE: If you see symptoms of this, then quarantine yourself at home, and get in touch with the doctor virtually.

BOTTOM LINE

Omicron has more than 50 mutations in the Omicron virus and 32 mutations in the protein spike, which is why the gov around the world are more concerned about this.

It was first discovered in the country Botswana (Africa country), but scientists from South Africa reported this virus to the WHO first on 24 November.

It’s spreading very quickly. more than twice as fast as the delta variant.

Healthytalk8

Hello, I'm Sahil bisht, I am a Mechanical engineer, As well as, aspiring blogger with an obsession for health. This blog delicate to people who want to learn in health.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *