Omicron COVID-19 Variant- Everything You Should know

The CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industrial partners to learn more about Omicron's progress as we continue to watch it. We are still learning how easily it spreads, how serious the illness it causes, and how effective available vaccines and treatments are in combating it.

What is the Omicron Variant?

Based on evidence that it contains several modifications that could impact how it operates, the WHO has identified the COVID-19 Omicron variation as a variant of concern. There is consistent evidence that Omicron spreads far faster than Delta in settings where community transmission is established, with a doubling period of 2-3 days. The overall danger associated with this new variation is still extremely high.

How Did the Omicron Variant Develop?

When a virus spreads widely and infects a significant number of people, it has a higher possibility of changing. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more likely it is to evolve.
Variants of COVID-19, such as Omicron, serve as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over. People must get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available and continue to follow existing protocols for reducing virus transmission, such as physical separation, masks, regular handwashing, and keeping indoor rooms well ventilated. Vaccines and other public-health measures must be freely available throughout the world. COVID-19 is a threat to low-income countries, many of which are in Africa, because of vaccine disparities.

Is the Omicron Variant Severe Compared to Other Covid-19 Variants?

According to preliminary findings, the Omicron variant had a reduced risk of hospitalization than the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organization warns that it should not be dismissed as moderate.  More hospitalizations are likely as a result of increased transmission. This places a pressure on frontline workers and hospital systems, and it could result in more deaths. It is important to remember that all COVID-19 forms, including the Delta form, which is still circulating around the world, can cause serious disease or death, which is why stopping the virus's spread and minimizing your risk of infection are so crucial.

Is the Omicron Variant More Contagious?

Yes, the Omicron form is more infectious than the others. Vaccination and precautions like avoiding crowded environments, keeping a safe distance from others, and wearing a mask, on the other hand, are crucial in reducing COVID-19 transmission, and we know that these measures have previously worked against other forms.

Are the Covid-19 Vaccines Safe for the Omicron Variant?

Researchers are looking into whether the Omicron variant affects the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Although data is currently scant, vaccine efficacy in preventing catastrophic illness and death, as well as preventing moderate disease and infection, may have decreased slightly. The existing vaccines, however, appear to provide significant protection against severe sickness and mortality, according to the WHO.
Vaccination also protects against other common viruses, such as the Delta virus. Make sure you are up to date on your vaccines when it is your turn. If your vaccine takes two doses, be sure you get both for the best results.

Is a Previous Covid-19 infection Still Effective Against the Omicron Variant?

According to the WHO, preliminary research reveals that previous infection may confer less protection against Omicron than other types of concern, such as Delta. Even if you have had COVID-19 before, you should be vaccinated. While patients who recover from COVID-19 may gain some natural immunity to the virus, we do not know how long this protection lasts or how effective it is. Vaccines provide a higher level of consistency in protection. 

How Can Omicron Variant Be Prevented?

The most important thing you can do is reduce your chances of contracting the infection. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, take the following precautions:

1. Put on a mouth and nose mask. Before putting on or taking off your mask, make sure your hands are clean.
2. Maintain a 1 meter physical distance between yourself and others.
3. Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
4. Increase indoor ventilation by opening windows.
5. Hands should be washed frequently.
6. Get immunized when it is your turn. COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the World Health Organization as both safe and effective.

Take Away

WHO is collaborating with governments and partners to determine the impact of this variation on current preventive measures, such as immunizations. In labs, researchers are examining how well existing COVID-19 vaccines perform against the variation. However, we are also interested in the epidemiology and vaccination status of persons who have been infected with the Omicron form.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.