The new Covid-19 variant Omicron virus (B.1.1.529) is creating havoc since its first emergence in South Africa in November 2021. The newly recognized demon has reported more than 30 mutations on the protein spikes, several overlapped in the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants. These deletions and mutations are the reason for heavy community transmission and advanced higher antibody escape.
The world reported a record 18.95 lac new infections in the first week of New Year 2022 itself (7 days average), with a fortnight change of nearly 165%.
Why should you be concerned?
According to the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention CDC, the Omicron virus symptoms vary from the original Covid Virus and are less severe than the Delta variant. Nevertheless, the reason for concern is the fast ability of this variant to dodge the immunity granted by past infection or vaccination. The higher transmissibility, higher antibody escape, and the mounting anxiety amongst people are compelling countries to come with new restrictions and lockdowns if demanded.
The Omicron virus is spreading in leaps and bounds. CDC director Rochelle Walensky in a press conference said that home Isolation, social distancing, and vaccines along with booster doses are the rescue guards that can help to prevent the spread. Prevention is the only option to resume daily life safely, he added. Vaccination booster doses, wearing a mask in public areas, and regular tests can only stop high community transmission.
The frequently asked questions about the Omicron virus
It is likely to have several confusions and apprehensions regarding this new virus. Here are some FAQs and answers that will help to ease out your concerns.
Q1. Is the virus milder than the Delta variant?
Ans. A Researcher published in JAMA Network from South Africa reported that during the omicron surge only 41.3% of Positive people approached for hospital admission. Meanwhile, during the Delta surge, 68-69% of people visited for hospital emergencies. The percentage requiring oxygen support is 17.6% in the omicron wave, whereas it reported 74 % during the Delta wave.
Q2. Is there any official statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) about Omicron?
Ans. Yes. The WHO has recently tweeted the statement of the director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In the words of the chief of the health body, “While Omicron virus does appear to be less severe compared to delta, especially in those who are vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorized as ‘mild’. Just like the previous variant, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people”.
Q3. What are Omicron symptoms?
Ans. Omicron symptoms found in most of the people are less similar to Covid symptoms but are very much similar to common cold, like:
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Scratchy throat
- Night perspiration
- Mild Mucus Aches
According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) experts, some unusual Omicron symptoms are likely to prevail in the skin, lips, and nails. Especially nail beds may discolor to a pale, gray, or blue color.
Q4. What about the precautions to avoid Omicron infection?
Ans. The precaution measures and advice remains the same as that of Covid 19 symptoms:
- Take a PCR Test
- Home isolate yourselves until you are negative
- Strong advice is to do a rapid lateral flow test for 7 days in case you are fully vaccinated
However, CDC has curbed the recommendation for self-isolation of those with Covid 19 to five days of isolation.
Q5. What is the incubation period of Omicron?
Ans. The Omicron symptoms come quickly once you’re infected. As per studies, the incubation period, i.e., the time it takes to develop symptoms after, is about three days. In contrast, the delta variant of Covid 19 took about four days, and the original COVSARS virus took more than five days.
Restrictions and Lockdown
The heavily contagious Omicron virus has compelled several countries to re-impose lockdowns. According to the World Health Organization, there has been a 70% increase in COVID-19 cases over a week. Several countries are coming with new restrictions, with full or partial lockdowns.
- The administrations in several cities in China have reintroduced lockdown and have ordered the people to remain in home isolation.
- Hong Kong has banned all nominatives from entering the megacity. Residents cannot enter the city unless they complete the quarantine process for 21 days while bearing their expenses at a government-approved hotel.
- In Ontario, Canada, the government has executed the lockdown by closing schools, gymnasiums, bars, and museums.
- In South America, Peru has assessed a night curfew.
- The national capital of India has imposed weekday night curfews and complete lockdown on weekends. The respective Indian states have also initiated their own versions of lockdowns.
Hence, the entire world is taking all the necessary preventive measures to avoid community transmission.
As per evidences, the Omicron symptoms are quicker to present and quicker to ease off too as compared to the earlier variants, thus showing a first ‘ray of hope’ on the way to Covid 19 becoming less contagious, and more similar to the common cold. Hopefully, this particular virus will not be as dreaded as the one we experienced in the previous two waves. As always, prevention is better than cure. So, be vigilant, go out only if necessary, and do not forget to put on a facemask.