Why Omicron Is High Risk? What Should You Do?

The coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that is almost two years old now. During this time, there have been many new variants causing concerns and new waves of infection. The omicron is one such variant that has recently been detected. Subsequently, there have been worries about whether or not it poses a high risk. Here is all that has been known till now.

What is the Omicron Variant?

The Omicron variant is the latest coronavirus variant that has been detected. According to UNICEF, the chances of a virus mutating is vastly increased when there is a widespread circulation of the virus as has been seen during this pandemic. It is such a mutation that has caused the development of the omicron variant currently. Over the last almost two years of the pandemic, there have been several mutations that have caused alarm. The omicron variant was first detected in South Africa but has since then spread to over 35 countries across the globe. Although it might have originated in Europe first, it had remained undetected. Investigations are currently ongoing on the variant since it has been only a few weeks since its detection. This is why it is also advised to take in all information with caution as there are chances of new developments happening anytime. There have been over twenty cases of the omicron variant reported in India as well. Till now, it has been mostly observed in people who have returned from travelling abroad recently or those who have come in contact with such people. 

Why is Omicron High Risk?

The omicron variant has shown a rapid rate of transmissibility which has been the most concerning. It has also shown signs of infecting those who have had COVID once already, which could indicate that it has capabilities to surpass a certain amount of built immunity. Till now there have been no reports of death that have been exclusively attributed to the variant, which although a hopeful situation, does not call for complacency. WHO officials have also stated that the omicron variant is most probably not worse than the Delta variant and that the existing vaccines should be working fine against it, as it has done against other such variants. 

What Should You Do?

Most countries in the world, including India, have started imposing travel bans to limit the spread of the omicron variant, especially since it is so infectious. However, WHO officials have stated that it is crucial that people do not rely simply on the travelling restrictions. It is important that they continue to follow the COVID protocols that have proven to be effective till now such as wearing masks, keeping distance in public and using proper sanitizers. Vaccines are also of the utmost importance. Most nations across the world, including India, have undertaken the vaccination process to keep their population protected against the virus. Although it might not completely stop the infection, it reduces its severity and chances of death. It also reduces the time period throughout which an infected person has the capacity to spread the virus. 

Endnotes

Studies regarding the omicron variant are still ongoing which is why the verdict is still out on this one. Although it has shown to be less severe than other variants, it is important to stay on guard by following the proper regulations but without any sort of panic. 

Also read - Is COVID-19 variant Omicron worse than Delta variant?

Are the symptms of omicron variant any different?

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.