Omicron, the new variant of Covid-19.

Table Of Contents:

1.What is Omicron Variant?

2. How did the Omicron Variant evolve?

3. Where does the Omicron Variant now exists?

4. Is the Omicron variant more serious than the other Covid-19 Variants?

5. Is it infected quickly?

6. Symptoms of Omicron variant.

7. Who is being attacked by the Omicron variant?

8. Effectiveness of vaccine against Omicron variant.

9. Can people who have been infected with Covid-19 be re-infected with Omicron?

10. Can Omicron be identified by the current Covid-19 test?

11. Are Children more likely to be infected by Omicron?

12. Why is everyone so worried about the Omicron Variant?

13. What precautions should be taken to protect you and your family from the outbreak of Omicron Variant?

What Is Omicron Variant?

Any virus is constantly evolving through mutations. And with this change, we now have a new variant of Corona Virus, Omicron that is known as B.1.1.529. Which has been described by The World Health Organization as a Variant of Concern. Because it's thought that this variant could create new panic all over the world.

According to the 15th letter of the Greek Alphabet, the World Health Organization has named the new form of Corona "Omicron".

How Did The Omicron Variant evolve?

Omicron is a little different in the case of Corona Virus variants. Because it's still the most modified form of SARS-CoV-2. It has a total of 53 mutations in its genetic form and the spike protein alone has 32 mutations. Spike proteins that regenerate the SARS-COV-2 virus by extending to the outside to help the virus attach to the cell so that it can enter. It's a protein that all three vaccines currently available in the United States use to induce protective antibodies. If compared to the virus variant, the Delta variant had 9 mutations. The large number of mutations in the Omicron variant may mean that it's more contagious, or able to escape the vaccine's protective shield. All such fears are very worrying and researchers say it could spread to other animals.

Where Does The Omicron Variant Now Exists?

The Omicron variant was first pointed out in Botswana on November 9 and was later identified in South Africa for traveling from there. World Health Organization considered it as a concerned on 24  November and declared it as a "Variant of concerned"on 26 November. Currently the variant is spread in different parts of the world. World Health Organization reports that the likelihood of the Omicron variant spreading further globally is high.

Is The Omicron Variant More Serious Than The Other Covid-19 Variants?

The lead scientists Dr. Michael Chan Chi Wai said, " It is important to note that the severity of disease in humans isn't determined only by virus replication but also by the host immune response to the infection." He also noted that, by infecting many more people, a very infectious virus may cause more severe disease and death even though the virus itself may be less pathogenic.

Is It Infected Quickly?

 A press release from a research team at the University of Hong Kong states that Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infects and multiplies 70 times faster than Delta variant and original SARS-CoV-2 in human bronchus, which may exlain why Omicron may transmit faster between human than previous variants. The Hong Kong also noted that when Omicron reaches lung tissues, it replicates itself 10 times more slowly than the original version of Covid-19, which could result in less severe illness.

 

Symptoms Of Omicron Variant:

No information has yet been found on whether the Omicron variant has any different symptoms from other Covid-19 variants. Its symptoms are similar to those of other variants of Covid-19. 

Dr Angelique Coetzee, the South African doctor who first spotted the new Covid variant Omicron, says the patients seen so far have had "extremely mild symptoms"- but more time is needed before we know the seriousness of the disease for vulnerable people.

The Zoe Covid Symptoms Study (covid.joinzoe.com), which is funded by the U.K. Government, has identified the top symptoms associated with Covid, and says they differ slightly depending on whether you have been vaccinated or not.

• Headache: Although headaches are a less well known symptoms of Covid, they are one of the earliest signs, according to the Zoe Study, and are more common than the classic symptoms of cough, fever and loss of smell. The study found Covid headaches tend to be moderately to severely painful, can be 'pulsing', 'pressing', and 'stabbing', occur across both sides of the head rather than in one area, may last for more than three days and tends to be resistant to regularly painkiller.

• Runny nose: Last winter, the Zoe Study found that a runny nose was the second most common reported symptom after headaches,  with nearly 60% of people who tested positive for Covid with loss of smell also reporting having a runny nose. But now, the data indicates that the prevalence of the disease is the most significant factor. So, when Covid rates are high, the chances of a runny nose being due to Covid are also high. But the study stresses that, when Covid rates are low, a runny nose is less likely to be Covid and more likely to be due to a cold or even an allergy. It concludes that while many people with Covid-19 may report a runny nose, it's difficult to call it a definitive symptom as it's so common, especially during winter.
• Sneezing: The Zoe Study found sneezing more than usual can be a sign of Covid in people who've been vaccinated, although it stresses is sneezing much more likely to be a sign of a cold or an allergy. It says that even though many people with Covid might sneeze, "it's not a definitive symptom because sneezing is a common.

• Sore throat: Many people with Covid have reported with the Zoe Study app that they have a sore throat that feels similar to the sore throats you get when you have a cold or laryngitis. Covid-related sore throats tend to be mild and last no more than five days, and a very painful sore throat that lasts longer is likely to be something else. If it persists, you should contact your GP. Although it can be a Covid symptom, most people with a sore throat will probably just have a cold. According to Zoe's data, almost half of people who are ill with Covid-19 report having a sore throat although this is more common in adults aged between 18-65 than the elderly or those under 18.
• Loss of smell: Loss of smell continues to be the strongest indicator of Covid-19 injection, regardless of a person's age, sex or illness severity. While people who've Covid might not lose their sense of smell completely, it may change, so you may not be able to smell strongly-scented things, and your sense of taste may be affected too, so food may taste different or seem tastless.
• Persistent cough: A persistent cough is widely agreed to be one of the three main symptoms of Covid-19 but, according to Zoe Study, only around four in ten people who are ill with the virus will experience this. In this context 'persistent' means coughing many times in a day, "for half a day or more". A Covid cough is usually a dry cough, compared with a chesty cough that brings up phlegm or mucus, and which may indicate a bacterial infection. A persistent cough tends to arrive around a few days into the illness and usually lasts for around four or five days.

Who Is Being Attacked More By The Omicron Variant:

In an interview with Reuters, Dr Angelique Coetzee, director of the South African Medical Association, said middle-aged and young men were more likely to be affected by the Omicorn Variant.

Effectiveness Of  Vaccine Against Omicron Variant:

According to A Study by British Health Experts,two doses of the Corona Virus vaccine are not enough to prevent the spread of Omicron variant, a booster dose is needed. The Researchers also said that the third dose provides about 75% protection in the human body against the outbreak of Omicron variant. They further added that immediately booster doses must be made mandatory everywhere. They noted that the booster doses of the Oxford and Pfizer vaccines are particularly effective.

The American drug company Mordana's Booster Covid Vaccine is succeeding in preventing the transmission of Omicron. This was stated by Modarna's president Stephen Hoge. He further added that the two episodes Mordana Vaccines has been able to prevent the transmission of Omicron variant to some extent. However, it's not being completely successful.

Can People Who Have Been Infected With Covid-19 Be Re-infected With Omicron?

According to WHO, early evidence suggests that people who have previously had Covid-19 could be re-infected more easily with Omicron, in comparison to other variants of concern. Information is still limited though and we will share update as it becomes available.

Can Omicron Be Identified By The current Covid-19 Test? 

The widely used PCR tests are capable of detecting Covid-19 infections, including Omicron. 

Experts say that Covid-19 test should be able to detect all variants of Covid-19, including the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Experts suggest treating the Omicron Covid-19 variant as any other Corona virus concern by staying isolated if symptomatic, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated.

Are Children More Likely To Be Infected By Omicron?

Research is still underway to determine how much risk children are exposed to or infected by the Omicron variant.

Why Is Everyone So Worried About The Omicron Variant?

At the moment, extreme anxiety about the Omicron variant has spread all over the world. The following are some of the reasons why this variant is causing panic in the minds of the people:

•  The Omicron variant is many times more likely to be infected than the other variants of the Covid-19.
• This variant is more likely to cause re-infection.
•  This variant reduces the effectiveness of vaccine, resulting in people being infected even after taking the double dose vaccine.
• This variant is capable of evolving Genes up to four times faster than Delta's and is therefore able to enter the human body faster.
• At least 8 to 10 days after being infected by this variant, the symptoms are getting worse.

What Precautions Should Be Taken To Protect You And Your Family From The Outbreak Of Omicron Variant?

Experts say that the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 is much more powerful than the Delta variant. They also say that Corona can't be completely controlled and that is must be suppressed by vaccines such as Measles and Polio. 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a Covid update in Geneva that Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant. He further said that vaccines alone will not protect against Omicron. He called for countries to use masks, social distance proper ventilation and hand hygiene to prevent contagion.

We need to take similar precautions to avoid Omicron as we did to avoid other forms of Covid-19. To protect against Omicron variants, you and your family should take the following precautions:

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask.
• Keep a physical distance of at least 1 meters from others.
• Avoid poorly ventilated or space.
• Open windows to improve ventilation indoors.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap or water or with alcoholic handwash products.

• When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbows or with a tissue. Discard the unused tissue immediately.
• Avoid contact with people who have a cold or fever.
• When it's your turn, get vaccinated. WHO approved Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

• The symptoms of this variant are less severe but abnormal. Therefore, if you suddenly feel tired or exhausted or if you have a mild cold or fever or cough, you should seek medical help immediately.

In a nutshell, just as there was panic all over the world about the Covid-19 at the beginning of last year, there is now a kind of panic throughout the world about Omicron variant. Although not as deadly, the Omicron variant has surpassed the Delta variant. However, no accurate information has yet been found as to how terrifying this variant might look. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi, the head of African Union forbade the world to be unduly concerned.

Let's all follow the rules of hygiene more, get vaccinated, become more aware and pray to God more and more, whether we are attacked by Omicron or not, let's have the courage to face it.