By admin Media Health Group helps to break down tough health topics in order to help individuals make the best health decisions. It doesn’t matter if it is COVID-19 or its most recent variant called Omicron. Our aim is to provide proper guidance and help to dispel fear.
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 came out around late 2021, but it came with a lot of new infections, worries and various questions. But as of recent times, there have still been recent mutations and circulations of The virus strain. A lot of people are still skeptical and tend to misunderstand it.
A lot of questions have been asked. Is it different from COVID-19? How do I treat it? What is the severity? And is the vaccine still effective?
In the course of this article, we will find out 7 important, well researched facts about the Latest variant of concern and its recent subvariants to help you stay very level headed and safe.
1. Meaning of the Omicron Variant?
Omicron can be described as a very mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2, the same virus that brought COVID-19. It was first discovered in Botswana and South Africa in November 2021 and it quickly developed into a major worldwide strain.
As opposed to variants in the past, the virus strain comes with a lot of mutations specifically on the spike protein, which then aids in spreading infections to cells and becomes what vaccines are usually used on.
The following mutations are components of Omicron:
- Partly resistant to vaccine
- Easily transferrable
- Easily accessible by regular sub variant evolution
The mutations of Omicron lets it:
- Avoid antibodies that neutralize it
- Has a stronger link to human cells
- Grows really fast in the upper part of the respiratory tract
From research that has been carried out, it shows that the rate at which Omicron moves is three times faster than the Delta variant. It is very easily contacted among the following set of people:
- Babies and teenagers
- People that have been vaccinated
- Carriers that don’t show symptoms
As opposed to the real strain, the symptoms of Omicron are known to show quicker and in a unique way, and it is similar to common cold.
Some symptoms of Omicron are:
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste and smell
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Chills and fever
- Tiredness
- Body pain
Omicron incubation period has a shorter duration of about 2 to 3 days which makes it harder to detect at the early stages but it also helps in treating symptoms swiftly for the smaller cases.
Omicron has a continuous cycle of mutations into current sub variants which includes:
- BA.1 to BA.5
- JN.1 which prevailed in early 2024
- XBB.1.5 also known as Kraken
- KP.2 and KP.3
- EG.5
Every single sub variant has differences in:
- Profile for symptoms
- Ability to immunity avoidance
- Rate of infection
- Immunity to vaccine
Despite the fact that these sub variants have little differences, a lot of them are the reason for smaller illness in formerly infected or vaccinated individuals.
Yes, it is but there are question marks. The only functions that vaccines have are:
- Suppress the risk of a continuous COVID
- Stops chronic sickness and hospital admission
- Smaller risk of transmission to other people
But with time, their functionality against infections reduces, especially if they are fighting recent Omicron sub variants.
So that is simply why enhanced booster shots such as the monovalent and bivalent that are used to fight Omicron are vital.
Extra Info:
You should know that if the last vaccine that you took was 6 months ago, you would have to check for the most recent boosters that are curated to attack the Omicron strains.
It can be really mild in a lot of situations. Omicron doesn’t really affect the lungs as opposed to Delta or the more early strains, which reduces the likelihood of chronic pneumonia. But that doesn’t imply that it is deadly.
However some individuals that are high risk can still be affected by:
- Lasting COVID
- Hospital admission
- Death
- Blood clots
But a lot of cases simply implies that health facilities get so much pressure even in the mild cases.
Omicron might not be ended but there have been proper methods to handle it recently. These are different ways to protect yourself:
- Be updated on boosters
- Boost your immune system by resting, exercising and eating well
- Put on good masks in environments that are prone to risk
- Taking tests prior to seeing older and immunocompromised relatives
- Washing your hands regularly
- Open the windows in closed spaces
Yes. It is possible to be infected again especially with sub variants that are recent. Getting vaccines helps to lower how serious it is.
WHO put a stop to the official worldwide emergency by 2023, but Omicron and its variants have been monitored closely because of current transference and growth.
Kids usually get sick a little bit but serious cases can still happen especially in people that have other conditions. It is important to take vaccines if you are under verified age class.
A lot of limitations have been erased, but some countries or airlines set out some certain needs.
Omicron has completely changed the frame of COVID-19 but it has equally given ways to deal with the virus, and not to be scared of it. There are now better testing strategies, vaccines, ways to treat it and how to comprehend it.
Do not be deceived by the term “mild”. Don’t be misguided and be informed. Lastly, you have to be sympathetic to the plight of others.