WHAT IS THE OMICRON VARIANT OF CORONAVIRUS?

Omicron is the new variant of coronavirus which was first detected in November 2021 in South Africa. Now the variant has been detected in 106 countries. It is predicted that the new variant is highly transmissible and is going to infect 3 million people in the coming 3 months.

The variant’s high numbers of mutations will make it difficult to control by vaccination. Although it is too early to confirm, the variant’s symptoms are milder than the delta variant. 

The variant seems to be multiplying in the upper respiratory tract, infecting the throat, thus producing symptoms more like sore throat and chest infection with a drop in oxygen levels is not seen with the variant. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE OMICRON VARIANT?

The symptoms of the omicron variant are cold-like symptoms, usually mild and are severe in a few cases only. The symptoms can be seen as follows:

• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Bodyache

Patients have not reported a loss of smell and taste along with a drop in oxygen levels.

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD AND CYCLE OF THE VIRUS?

The Omicron variant is highly transmissible as the patient can be asymptomatic for 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The cycle of the virus can be as short as three days up to a week.

WHAT IMPACT DOES VACCINATION HAVE ON THE OMICRON VARIANT?

It is seen that people who are vaccinated are showing very mild symptoms of the infection.

WHAT IS THE METHOD TO PREVENTION AGAINST THE OMICRON VARIANT?

Following steps should be followed to prevent yourself and others from the omicron variant:

• Wear a mask.
• Get yourself vaccinated.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Don't visit closed spaces.
• Keep indoors ventilated.
• Wash your hands often or sanitize them.
• Isolate yourself as soon as you develop the symptoms.
• Get yourself tested.