Omicron Variant: Everything You Need to Know About!

Ever since the emergence of COVID 19, we have seen various variants of the deadly virus. Recently on November 24, 2021, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 was reported to the World Health Organisation from Botswana and South Africa which was named as Omicron and classified as Variant of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organisation.

First Case of Omicron in USA

On December 1, 2021, the first case of Omicron was confirmed in the USA. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with global health care providers and scientists to know more about this virus.

What else do we know about Omicron?

• According to WHO, the Omicron is Variant of Concern and can spread very easily comparatively to the original Covid 19 virus.
• It has been learnt that Omicron can also infect people who are vaccinated and don’t have symptoms.
• At present the scientists are working on gathering more information about Omicron and its severity and how lethal it can be.
• Scientists have clarified that vaccines can protect against severe illness and hospitalization due to Omicron.
• There are also questions arising about whether treatments work against Omicron, the scientists have asserted that the current treatment of Covid 19 is effective for Omicron and more research is being conducted to determine whether any changes in genetic make-up require additional measurements.

What can be done to fight Omicron?

Vaccines To fight Omicron

Vaccines To fight Omicron or any other variant of Covid 19, vaccines are the best tool. Vaccines have provided protection against Covid 19 and slow transmission. Also scientists are working to gather data on whether vaccines are fighting against Omicron. CDC has also recommended that everyone ages 18 years or above should be fully vaccinated and those who have completed their vaccination doses should get booster shots.

Masks are essentials

It has been proven that masks are playing major roles in providing protection against deadly viruses. So it has been recommended that everyone should wear masks in public or where large gatherings are organised.

Get yourself tested

To know about your health and to confirm whether you have any infection or virus, get yourself tested at the earliest. You can use self-test kits at home to get yourself tested.

These are the basic things you need to know about the Omicron variant of Coronavirus. Scientists across the world are working hard to gather more data and information to determine its severity and how it can be prevented.

We will keep you updated with all the latest information about Omicron.