Just In
- 7 hrs ago World's First Miss AI Pageant Announced, Know All About The Rise Of AI Beauty
- 10 hrs ago Summer Fashion: 6 Tips For Embracing Layering Styles To Keep It Cool And Stylish
- 10 hrs ago 7 Best Family-Friendly Tours In Iceland: Comfortable Packages For All Ages
- 13 hrs ago Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, Mantra, And Aarti Lyrics
Don't Miss
- Movies Ranam OTT Release Date And Platform: When And Where To Watch Vaibhav Reddy Starrer Movie Online
- Sports Who Won Yesterday's IPL Match 32: GT vs DC, IPL 2024 on April 17 - Delhi Capitals Annihilate Gujarat Titans
- Finance 1:2 Stock Split: Record Date On April 24; Buy The Scrip Now To Be Eligible?
- News Delhi Capital's Captain Rishabh Pant Gathers Praise For His Wicketkeeping Skills, Stunning Catch
- Education SCCL Recruitment 2024; Application process, Selection criteria and more
- Automobiles Mahindra 3XO SUV Latest Teaser Reveals Connected Car Tech: All Details Here
- Technology OnePlus 13 Early Leak Hints at a Revamped Camera Island, and Fast Charging to Remain at 100W
- Travel From Coconut Breaking on Head to Men Dressing as Women: 12 Unique Indian Rituals Explored
Omicron: Why Is The New COVID-19 Variant Considered Dangerous? Experts Explain
A variant B.1.1.529, dubbed Omicron by WHO, was classified as a variant of concern by the Technical Advisory Group for Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) on 26 November 2021. Omicron has prompted countries around the world to tighten travel restrictions in light of uncertainty over the new B.1.1.529 variant.
What Makes The Omicron Variant Dangerous?
This variant was first identified in Southern Africa due to Botswana's advanced medical research system and the world's largest gene sequencing facility. It is believed to be spreading faster than the Delta variant, the world's predominant strain.
According to experts, omicron has more than 30 mutations - more than any variant and twice as many as Delta [1]. Health experts in the UK claim that two of these mutations - R203K and G204R - help the virus replicate more rapidly. And three of these mutations - H655Y, N679K, and P681H - contribute to the virus's ability to enter the cells of the body more easily. The presence of these last two mutations together, a rare event, suggests that Omicron is more resistant to vaccines [2].
Transmissibility: It is not clear whether Omicron is more transmissible than other variants, including Delta. There has been an increase in the number of people testing positive in South Africa that are affected by this variant. Still, epidemiologic studies are underway to understand whether the increase is related to Omicron or other factors [3].
Symptoms: There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants.
Severity of disease: It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants, such as Delta. Based on preliminary data, there appears to be an increase in hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to an increase in the number of people becoming infected rather than a result of a specific Omicron infection [4].
Vaccine effectiveness: Experts are working to understand the potential impact of this variant on existing countermeasures, including vaccines. Vaccines remain an important tool in combating severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating variant, Delta. Current vaccines are highly effective against severe disease and death [5].
Effectiveness of current tests: The widely used PCR tests continue to detect infections, including Omicron-related infections. Studies are underway to determine whether other types of tests will be affected, including rapid antigen detection tests [6].
Treatment effectiveness: Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will still be effective for managing patients with severe COVID-19. As a result of the changes to parts of the virus in the Omicron variant, the effectiveness of alternative treatments will be evaluated [7].
What Are The Precautionary Steps Against The Omicron Variant?
The best way for individuals to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus (all variants) is to maintain a physical distance of at least one metre between themselves and others. Wearing a mask and opening windows to improve ventilation are also recommended. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and getting vaccinated when it is necessary are also recommended [8].
On A Final Note...
Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to understand many aspects of Omicron better and will continue to share the findings of these studies as they become available.
- Is Omicron variant found in India?
There have been no cases of the newly discovered, highly transmissible variant of Covid-19, Omicron, in India. However, India has already introduced stricter guidelines for travellers from or transiting through at-risk countries.
- When did Omicron variant start?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the variant was found in a specimen collected on 9 November.
- What is the new strain of COVID-19 called?
The World Health Organization has identified a new strain of COVID-19, B.1.1.529, as a "variant of concern" and classified it as an "Omicron variant."
- Does the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spread faster?
Based on an analysis of the global transmission of the two variants, Omicron is spreading faster than Delta in the first few days of its circulation.
- Is the Omicron variant of COVID-19 more transmissible?
It is possible that Omicron could become the most infectious Coronavirus variant yet. Based on preliminary data, it appears that omicron became widespread across southern Africa within a very short period of time. Researchers believe its many mutations may contribute to its transmissibility.
- healthXBB.1.16: Symptoms; Are Vaccines Useful? WHO Concerned Over Recent COVID Spike In India
- disorders cureCommon COVID Symptoms In Fully Vaccinated Individuals: What You Should Know
- wellnessMild COVID Linked To Life-Threatening Blood Clots, Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease; Study
- wellnessCOVID-19 Variants In India: New COVID Variant May Pose Threat To Elderly People
- basicsCovid-19 Linked To Early Onset Of Periods: What You Need To Know
- wellnessCOVID XBB Variants Of Omicron In India: What You Should Know
- disorders cureNew Omicron Subvariant BQ.1 Detected In Maharashtra: What You Should Know
- disorders cureOmicron BF.7 In India, Risk Of Fresh Wave During Diwali: What You Should Know
- wellnessOld Age Is A Risk Factor For Pneumonia Due To The Omicron Variant: Study
- disorders cureWhat Is ‘Centaurus,’ New Fast-Spreading Covid Variant: Everything You Need To Know
- health75 Years Of Independence, 75 Days Of Free COVID Booster Shots; For Everyone Aged 18-59 From 15 July
- wellnessWhat Are The Health Risks Of Getting COVID The Second Or Third Time? 7 Important Points