Symptoms of Omicron Variant

The omicron variant has been causing concern lately as the latest variant of the coronavirus to be detected. Studies are ongoing to understand the nature of this variant which has shown rapid transmission. Quick detection of it will of course, be helpful and contribute towards controlling its transmission. The key to this is knowing the symptoms caused by this new variant. 

The Status of the Omicron Variant

A few weeks back, the omicron variant was detected in South Africa, although it is now being considered that it had originated in Europe before. Since officials there have alerted the entire world, cases were also detected in over 60 other nations across the globe. There is still very limited information that is available on this new variant which is why developments need to be communicated swiftly. Observations till now have revealed that the transmissibility power of this variant is quite strong since there has been a surge of cases in South Africa, although there is uncertainty whether the surge can be entirely attributed to the new variant. It has also been revealed that the variant might have originally originated in Europe and not in South Africa. In most nations where the variant has been detected, it has been seen in travelers, especially those who are from South Africa. 

Symptoms of the Omicron Variant

The symptoms of the omicron variant have been observed to be mild for now. However, with the report of the first case of death due to this variant, there has been increased concern over its nature. The most commonly observed symptoms include fever, cough, lethargy, sore throat, loss of taste and smell. There have also been complaints of body aches and headaches, diarrhea and even rashes among some. Some of the most serious symptoms can be considered as shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog and such. As such, the symptoms of the omicron variant are not very different from what has been observed in COVID-19 patients so far. The other dominant variant, the delta variant, can cause more severe symptoms. However, the omicron variant is almost, more than four times faster in spreading than the delta variant, which makes it quite concerning. 

Precautions for the Omicron Variant

Vaccination remains as one of the most important protective measures against the omicron variant. Studies till now have suggested that the omicron variant reduces vaccine efficacy and has a certain degree of power to cause reinfections. However, the vaccines still remain important as they have been seen to reduce the severity of infection and chances of death from COVID infection. Other than that, the standard COVID protocols are still relevant, among which, wearing masks is of the utmost importance. Whether you are vaccinated or not, wearing a mask is crucial to protect oneself as well as others around them. 

Endnotes

The omicron variant is spreading at a very rapid rate. With cases rising across the world, nations have been taking increasing account of what all is needed in order to reign in the aftermath of this infection. What is pertinent at this point, is to remain calm and alert to any new developments. There is a limited date right now, to suggest whether the omicron variant will go on to become even more severe. The persisting COVID protocols have been seen to be effective against other variants as well, and it is hoped they will do so against the new variant as well. 

Also read: Status of Omicron Variant in India

Vaccination Key to Battling Omicron: WHO

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.