Omicron New Variant of SARS C0V-2 A Big Warning to Us
Omicron a new variant of Covid 19 is a big warning to the world. WHO has declared the Omicron a Variant of concern on 26th Nov 2021. The new Omicron variant of coronavirus is named as B.1.1.529 or SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern.
The new variant has several mutations and it has changed the behavior. Is the transmissibility of the new variant of the Covid 19 virus faster than the previous variants?
Is Omicron Variant a matter of concern?
The new variant of Coronavirus which is called Omicron has been declared as a variant of concern. But it is not clear yet if Omicron can easily spread compared to other variants of Covid 19. The studies around the transmissibility of the Omicron variant are underway and will take time to understand the facts. However, the surge of Omicron variant cases in South Africa reflects the possibility of high transmissibility of new variants.
The severity of the disease caused by the omicron variant is not very clear yet; whether the omicron variant causes less or more severe disease compared to Delta or other coronavirus variants. The Omicron variant has affected the younger population more but it’s too early to say whether this is affecting only the younger population or older one also at risk.
A new surge of new covid 19 virus cases in South Africa is a cause of concern. In view of a sudden surge of Omicron variant cases, experts believe that the Omicron Variant of the covid 19 virus has high transmissibility and we should not forget following prevention techniques and methods including hand hygiene and wearing masks.
Will the Omicron Variant Hamper the Efficacy of Covid vaccine?
Since the new variant possesses more than 30 mutations to the spike protein of the virus, which could lead to hampering the efficacy of the covid vaccine. However, Covid vaccines remain very critical to reducing the severity of the disease and death.
During the second wave of the Covid 19, it was observed that the severity of the disease and death rate was very low in the vaccinated population. Even current vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. But it is not clear whether the current vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant.
Will Current PCR be Effective to Diagnose the Omicron Variant?
Yes, current diagnostic tests for Covid 19 including PCR techniques can detect the Omicron variant and continue to detect the infection with the new variant. But studies are underway to reach the conclusion if rapid antigen tests or other techniques will be used to detect the Omicron infection.
RTPCR and other Rapid PCR will remain effective to diagnose the disease with the same accuracy.
Which Variant is more Dangerous – Delta Variant or Omicron?
As of now, the Delta variant of the Covid 19 virus is dominating in terms of the severity of the disease and mortality. But initial data points and a worldwide surge of recent Omicron variant cases are believed to be the same severity and mortality. However, the results of new studies are underway to prove the statement.
What are the Prevention Methods for Omicron Variant?
All the Covid protocols to prevent the infection are the only key to spreading the omicron variant infection. Following are the prevention methods to stop the spread of the virus.
- Get vaccinated
- Hand Hygiene practices
- Keep Your Hands clean
- Social Distancing
- Wearing Masks
- Uses of Hand sanitizers
- Keep windows open to improve ventilation
- Avoid crowded spaces
- Sneeze or cough into the bent elbow
