Omicron Variant: Origin, Symptoms & Preventive Measures

The World Health Organisation is shaking hands with numerous international researchers to understand the Omicron variant better. The vaccines turned out to be ineffective against this new variant. That being said, preventive measures are the only way to avoid this virus.

This article throws light on the symptoms of the Omicron and the preventive measures to avoid the same.

Omicron (B.1.1.529) is one of the variants of SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron variant multiplies around seventy times more quickly than the Delta variant. However, this variant is less likely to penetrate the deep lung tissues. It is ninety per cent less fatal and has 51 per cent fewer odds of hospitalisation than the Delta variant. Nevertheless, Omicron's high rate of spreading and the ability to break away from double vaccines and the immune system of the body is concerning.

Network for Genomics Surveillance of South Africa reported the first incident of Omicron variant to the World Health Organisation on 24th November 2021. The specimen was collected on 9th November 2021.

Every individual not following or abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines are at risk of contracting Omicron. However, people with metabolic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, prediabetes and high cholesterol are at higher risk. Additionally, those who have not got vaccinated are more likely to get contracted with the Omicron variant.

This section shows the preventive measures one should take to avoid the Omicron virus –

• Maintaining social distancing of at least a metre from others.
• Staying vigilant, as the new variant can evade the vaccine immunity and effectiveness of the vaccinations.
• Wear a mask all the time.
• Keep the windows open to avoid poor ventilation.
• Stay away from places with poor ventilation and say no to crowded places.
• Sanitise and wash your hands regularly.
• While coughing or sneezing, bend your elbow, cough into it, or use a tissue.
• Get yourself vaccinated.

In a report published on 21st January 2022, WHO said, “Current evidence consistently shows a reduction in neutralising titres against Omicron in individuals who have received a primary vaccination series or in those who have had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, increased risk of reinfection has been reported by South Africa, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Israel.”

On 4th January 2022, Michael Ryan, Director of Emergencies, World Health Organisation, said in an interview that Omicron might be less severe than the former variants of Coronavirus.

On 3rd December 2021, Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's chief scientist, said that the Omicron variant might become the dominant variant. Adding to it, she said that it is also difficult to predict so. "How worried should we be? We need to be prepared and cautious, not panic, because we're in a different situation to a year ago.", said Swaminathan.

WHO’s second-in-command said to AFP, “While it is likely more transmissible than previous variants, the preliminary data don't indicate that this is more severe."

United States' top scientist, Anthony Fauci, further added, "Omicron almost certainly is not more severe than Delta."

Considering the global surge in the spread of Omicron and the ineffectiveness of vaccines against Omicron, taking preventive measures is the best way to safeguard our loved ones and ourselves.