Why is Omicron such a high-risk ? So, what are your options?

According to the World Health Organization, Omicron poses a "very high" global threat, implying that it spreads faster than Delta, which now accounts for over 99 percent of Covid-19 cases globally. The scientific community is concerned that Omicron will soon supplant Delta as the most common variety. According to the organisation, there is always "substantial uncertainty" about Omicron's exposure, distribution, and intensity, as well as how it can affect the pandemic's path. However, data based on African clinicians' experience suggest that Omicron may be able to overcome natural and vaccine-induced immunity, putting patients who have already received Covid-19 at danger of reinfection. Pharmaceutical companies have also predicted that the new strain might be resistant to established treatments like monoclonal antibody therapy.

What exactly is the Omicron Variant?

The Omicron variant is the most recent coronavirus variation to be discovered. According to UNICEF, the odds of a virus evolving are greatly increased when the infection is widely circulated, as witnessed during this epidemic. It is this type of mutation that has resulted in the present emergence of the omicron variety. Several alterations have generated concern in the almost two years since the outbreak began. The omicron variety was discovered in South Africa and has now spread to over 35 nations worldwide. Despite the fact that it may have originated in Europe initially, it had gone unnoticed.Because the variation was discovered only a few weeks ago, investigations are still underway. This is why it is also important to approach any material with caution, since new developments might occur at any time. In India, around twenty occurrences of the omicron form have been documented. Until date, it has largely been detected in persons who have recently returned from travelling overseas or in those who have come into touch with such people.

Why has Omicron considered a high-risk species?

The omicron form has showed a high rate of transmissibility, which is particularly alarming. It has also showed evidence of infecting people who have already been infected with COVID, suggesting that it has the ability to overcome some built-in immunity. There have been no reports of deaths that have been solely ascribed to the variation to yet, which, although encouraging, does not warrant complacency. Officials from the World Health Organization have also suggested that the omicron variation is unlikely to be worse than the Delta variant, and that current vaccinations should be effective against it, as they have been against previous variants.

What are your options?

Most nations across the world, including India, have begun enforcing travel limits to curb the spread of the omicron variety, especially given how contagious it is. However, WHO experts have emphasised that individuals should not depend solely on the travel limitations. It is critical that people continue to follow COVID measures that have shown to be helpful in the past, including as wearing masks, keeping a safe distance in public, and using suitable sanitizers. Vaccines are also quite important. Most countries throughout the world, including India, have begun the vaccine procedure to safeguard their citizens against the virus. Although treatment does not totally eliminate the illness, it does lessen its severity and risks of mortality.  It also limits the amount of time an infected individual has the ability to propagate the infection.

Endnotes 

As research on the omicron version is still underway, the decision on this one is still pending. Despite the fact that it has been demonstrated to be less severe than other variations, it is crucial to be vigilant by adhering to the correct rules while remaining calm.

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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.