On 26 November 2021, the new variant of COVID19 was named as “Omicron” by the World Health Organization. The new variant of COVID is also named as B.1.1.529. The COVID Variant “Omicron” has large number mutations that are why the whole world is in fear of this variant. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) that was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on 24 November 2021. Omicron multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi (lung airways) but evidence suggests it is less severe than previous strains, especially compared to the Delta variant. Omicron might be less able to penetrate deep lung tissue. Omicron infections are 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 percent less risk of hospitalization. Overall, the extremely high rate of spread, combined with its ability to evade both double vaccination and the body’s immune system, means the total number of patients requiring hospital care at any given time is still of great concern. The variant has many mutations, some of which have concerned scientists. The Omicron variant has a total of 60 mutations compared to the reference / ancestral variant: 50 non-synonymous mutations, 8 synonymous mutations, and 2 non-coding mutations. Thirty-two mutations affect the spike protein, the main antigenic target of antibodies generated by infections and of many vaccines widely administered. Many of those mutations had not been observed in other strains. The variant is characterized by 30 amino acid changes, three small deletions, and one small insertion in the spike protein compared with the original virus, of which 15 are located in the receptor-binding domain .It also carries a number of changes and deletions in other genomic regions. Additionally, the variant has three mutations at the furin cleavage site. The furin cleavage site increases SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Vaccines continue to provide protection against severe disease and hospitalization especially after a third dose of an mRNA vaccine is given. Early figures suggest that double vaccination offer 30 to 40 percent protection against infection and around 70 percent protection against hospitalization. A recent third vaccine dose boosts effectiveness against infection to around 75 percent, and 88 percent for severe disease.
Omicron COVID Variant Symptoms: Symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are given below. Symptoms are classified in most common symptoms, less common symptoms & serious symptoms.
Most common symptoms: Most common symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms: Less common symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are sore throat, headache, aches, pains, diarrhoea, a rash on skin, discolouration of fingers or toes as red or irritated eyes.
Serious symptoms: Serious symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, or confusion or chest pain. Omicron variant of corona virus disease was detected in November 2021 and now has spread to nearly 50 countries
• Omicron is a highly mutated corona virus variant and its fast spread is causing a rapid increase in the number of cases.
• This variant was detected by the researchers of South Africa using genome sequencing to track the genetic structure of the virus. And it is named after the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet – Omicron.
• As per the present data, it is less deadly than other variants.
• It is not yet known that whether Omicron is vaccine-resistant or not. But as per the present data, vaccinated people have mild cases when compared with unvaccinated people. Most of the severe cases are seen in unvaccinated people.
• The Omicron variant has a higher risk of reinfection.
• More data is needed to know more about this coronavirus variant’s severity.
• Experts are recommending booster shots to improve immunity.
• The detection of Omicron is reiterating the importance of increasing the availability of vaccines to low-income countries. At present, only 3% of people in low-income countries received two vaccine doses, compared with more than 60% in high-income countries. Even though World Health Organization (WHO) started the COVAX program to guarantee fair and equitable access to vaccines for every country, it is failing its promise to vaccinate the entire world. The goal to vaccinate at least 40% of the population in every country by the end of 2021 is unlikely to happen. Many high-income countries are hoarding vaccines more than required.
• Some people are not willing to take vaccines. Awareness programs are needed to remove vaccine hesitancy.
• Vaccine distribution is facing logistics challenges too. Receiving vaccines with short shelf lives with little notice is causing unpredictability.
• To prevent the spread of the virus, sick pay should be provided, which will allow people to self-isolate without having to worry about the salary.
• India along with South Africa proposed suspending Intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines temporarily to ensure affordable and universal access to covid vaccines.
As per the present data, the Omicron variant is spreading faster than the previous variants but is less deadly than the Delta variant. There is a need to increase the availability of vaccines in low-income countries to vaccinate everyone. No one is safe until everyone is vaccinated.
So it is better:
• Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
• Keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
• Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
• Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
• If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
( The author is a teacher at Govt High School Brakpora Anantnag. Views are his own)
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