Omicron Symptoms and how to protect yourself from Omicron

WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, WHO recognised the variety B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, dubbed Omicron, on November 26, 2021. (TAG-VE).

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The world is not in a panic now that a new COVID mutation has been discovered. This article will provide you with thorough information on the Omicron COVID Variants. We got all of the information on this type of worry from a reliable source like who.int.

Omicron Variant Symptoms

The most common symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell. Sore throat, headache, aches and pains, diarrhoea, a rash on the skin, and discolouration of fingers or toes are some of the less common symptoms of the novel COVID Variant “Omicron.”

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South African doctor Angelique Coetzee, the chairperson of the South African Medical Association, was the first to disclose the strange symptoms of Omicron to the South African authorities. Scientists believe Omicron’s new trait is the outcome of its mutation. A piece of genetic material from another virus, most likely a common cold virus, may have given the variation a “more human” appearance.

Information to facilitate

It’s unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible (i.e., easier to transfer from person to person) than other variations, such as Delta. In areas of South Africa afflicted by this variation, the number of people testing positive has increased, but epidemiologic studies are planned to determine if this is due to Omicron or other factors.

Severity of Omicron

It’s unclear whether Omicron infection causes more severe disease than infections caused by other variations, such as Delta. According to preliminary data, hospitalisation rates are rising in South Africa, however, this could be due to an increase in the general number of persons becoming infected rather than a specific Omicron illness. There is currently no evidence that the symptoms associated with Omicron are distinct from those associated with other variations. The first cases of infection were among university students, who are younger and had a milder condition, although determining the severity of the Omicron form will take days to weeks. All COVID-19 variations, including the globally widespread Delta variant, can cause severe sickness or death, especially in the most vulnerable persons, hence prevention is always the best option.

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Preliminary research suggests that Omicron may have a higher probability of reinfection than other variations of concern (i.e., those who have previously had COVID-19 may be more easily reinfected with Omicron), although data is limited. In the next days and weeks, more information about this will become accessible.

What can I do to avoid becoming ill?

  • Maintain a space of at least 6 feet (2 metres) between yourself and others outside your home.
  • Avoid crowded areas and places with limited airflow (ventilation).
  • Hands should be washed often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have time to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
  • In public situations, wear a mask, especially if social separation is problematic.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue. Discard the used tissue. Hands should be washed as soon as possible.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a daily basis.

You may be at a higher risk of serious disease if you have a persistent medical condition. Other strategies to safeguard yourself should be discussed with your health care practitioner.

OMICRON INFECTED PATIENTS

  • A 66-year-old South African national who fled the country after presenting a negative Covid-19 report from a private lab was India’s first Omicron case. On November 20, the patient tested positive, then three days later tested negative. He showed no signs or symptoms.
  • The second Omicron instance in India is a 46-year-old doctor who has never travelled outside of India. The doctor, an anesthesiologist, reported mild symptoms on November 21 and was tested. Because his report showed a low CT value, indicating a very high viral load, his sample was sent for genome sequencing, and Omicron was confirmed.
  • A 72-year-old Zimbabwean man came in Gujarat’s Jamnagar as the third Omicron case in India. The 72-year-old man’s symptoms included a sore throat and weakness.
  • The fourth Omicron patient was a 33-year-old marine engineer. According to a Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation official, he was not vaccinated because he had been on the ship since April. He got a minor fever on November 24.
  • The most recent instance is a 37-year-old male who arrived in Delhi from Tanzania, marking the first case of the novel COVID-19 form in the national capital. “He was admitted to the hospital on December 2 with mild symptoms sore throat, fever and body ache,” a doctor said.

Should I wear a mask?

In public, wearing a mask may help prevent the transmission of the virus from those who don’t have any symptoms. For the general public, non-medical cotton masks are recommended. If surgical masks are available, they can be used. Surgical masks and N95 masks may be in short supply in some areas and should be kept for healthcare workers.

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It’s OK not to wear a mask once you’ve been completely vaccinated, according to the CDC, unless it’s mandated by a rule or legislation. The CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outside in busy locations or when in close contact with unvaccinated persons if you live in an area where there have been a lot of new COVID-19 cases in the recent week.

In busy, indoor environments, use a face mask since people having the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as unvaccinated or vulnerable people, may be present. In all of their hospitals, treatment facilities, and offices, Johns Hopkins Medicine and other health care institutions require all visitors, patients, and staff to wear masks. Learn more about how masks can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

Practice hand hygiene

  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially:
    • After being in public places and touching door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons or handrails
    • After using the bathroom
    • Before preparing food or eating
  • If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
  • If you cough or sneeze, do so in the bend of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately.

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