On 26 November 2021, WHO designated thevariant B.1.1.529 a variant of concern, named Omicron, on the adviceof WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE). Thisdecision was based on the evidence presented to the TAG-VEthat Omicron has several mutations that may have an impact on how itbehaves, for example, on how easily it spreads or the severity of illnessit causes.
The emergence of the Omicron, a new variantof Covid has become a new reason for worry worldwide. It has given rise toa new debate that will it cause a third wave in India or not? Indian health expertssaid that it is quite early to say if we are about to face the thirdwave. However, if we remained careless, the variant will enter India andcan have detrimental effects.
Symptoms of Omicron:
The National Institute for CommunicableDiseases (NICD) of South Africa has said that currently, “no unusual symptoms”have been reported following infection with the B.1.1.529 variant. It hashighlighted the fact that, as with other infectious variants such as Delta,some individuals are asymptomatic.
Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South AfricanMedical Association, told AFP she had seen around 30 patients over the past 10days who tested positive for Covid-19 but had unfamiliar symptoms.
The Omicron patients reported extremetiredness, mild muscle aches, a scratchy throat and dry cough, the doctor toldAFP. Only a few had a slightly high temperature.
Also read: Covid-like Norovirus confirmed in Kerala; Know symptoms, preventive measures to stay safe
Precautions to take against Omicron:
Experts say that it is important to be fullyvaccinated in order to protect ourselves from the deadly virus. Moreover,social distancing, masking, good ventilation in public indoor spaces, andwashing or sanitizing hands and surfaces regularly are still necessary.