Omicron Variant; Panic mode on?​

Source: Worldometer

Here you can see the comical line as the dramatic increase in cases increased.

About Omicron variant

Let us understand all you need to know about the Omicron in detail. We’ll start with the research conducted by researchers in South Africa and worldwide. Before we delve into Omicron, we need to understand that Omicron’s structure is one of the most significant concerns for medical experts. As per the research conducted by researchers, it has been found that the new variant has 30 mutations on the spike protein, which makes the scientists frown about its severity

Spike protein:

We can understand the Spike protein as a part of the virus that can bind to the cell and cause infections. We need to understand what a Spike protein is; Spike is a glycosylated transmembrane fusion protein that ranges from 1,160 to 1,400 amino acids, depending on the type of virus. The Spike proteins are much more potent than the M and E-proteins. Hence, it can initiate penetration and infect the body way worse. It can be derived that the S proteins of coronaviruses are composed of two subunits of vital importance: the N-terminal S1 subunit, which serves as the head of the S protein; and the C-terminal S2 region, which forms the stalk of the protein and is directly embedded in the viral envelope.

The parameters of evaluating the emergency due to the Omicron variant  is its transmission and severity will be discussed in the following paragraphs:

Transmission:

The researchers have been dedicating enough time to understand it fully. However, there is still uncertainty whether Omicron is more transmissible (e.g., more accessible to spread from one person to another) than any variant like Delta. According to their views, it is contagious because the number of South Africans testing positive for this variant has rapidly increased. However, epidemiological studies are being conducted to determine whether this is the result of Omicron.

The severity of disease: Just like transmission, the severity is unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants, including Delta. South Africa’s hospitalization rates are increasing, but this may result from a general increase in infections rather than a consequence of specific Omicron infections. The symptoms of Omicron do not appear to differ from those of other variants. Initial incidents were reported among university students, who tend to have milder diseases, but understanding the severity of the Omicron variant will take several weeks. Even the variations of COVID-19 that are dominant worldwide, such as the Delta variant, are capable of causing severe disease and death. Therefore, prevention is vital.

Is the Omicron variant

deadly?

Well, if you are looking to comfort yourself with the good news, you may have to wait for a while as this is too early to make assumptions about it. However, you can still feel a bit positive as the Omicron variant reports no death till now.

Sigh of relief? But inhale it with your mask-on.

Is vaccination worth it?

Even though the chances of reinfection are there still, it’s pretty much, yes!. Vaccines, including COVID-19, are still effective against the virus based on the WHO’s research on the potential effects of the virus on our countermeasures. The prevalence of the dominant circulating variant, Delta, can be reduced significantly with vaccinations. The current vaccines maintain their efficacy against deaths and severe conditions. Some studies have even found that the vaccinated individuals are at three times lower risk of catching Omicron. It is suggested to get vaccinated at soon as possible; for information about getting vaccinated, click here.

Recommendations by WHO

WHO took charge of the situation and made suggestions for the other countries to save themselves from the new variant.

Countries should continue implementing effective public health measures to reduce COVID-19 circulation using risk analysis and a science-based approach. Strengthening capacity for case management in medicine and public health is one of them, and the WHO offers guidance and support for both preparedness and response. A second crucial issue is the elimination of inequities in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that vulnerable groups everywhere, such as health workers and older individuals, receive their first and second doses, along with equitable access to treatment and diagnostics.

Recommended actions for people

As the situations were worse during last year, we need to be extra careful with ourselves. According to the World Health organization, COVID-19 is most easily prevented by keeping a physical distance of at least one meter from others; wearing a mask; opening windows to improve ventilation; avoiding poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keeping hands clean; coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and getting vaccinated when the time comes. Upon receiving more information, including following TAG-VE meetings, WHO will continue to provide updates.

Disclaimer

This post aims to spread awareness about the Omicron variant, keeping personal safety the utmost concern. Henceforth, we assure you that intense research has been conducted to write the post. The data has been collected from internationally reputed and trusted sources such as WHO, CDC, world meter, and many more. We also request you to practice social distancing, proper cleanliness and refrain from panic. Panic and stress can be more dangerous than the virus itself in these situations.

Stay tuned with us for more information. We will continue to share the findings of these studies as they become available. Additionally, the WHO will share information on its social media platforms.