Omicron Covid-19 Variant: Everything You Need To Know & How To Stay Safe
Amidst scientific landslides in the global fight against COVID-19, the news of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, code name “Omicron” broke.
This new variant (B.1.1.529), discovered in South Africa, by scientists on the 25th of November, 2021 and it is spreading across various countries, including Canada, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.
In the wake of this news, the variant named as “a variant of concern” by the WHO on the 26th of November 2021 because of its genetic distinction from previous variants such as the alpha and delta variants.
However, it is not known if these genetic changes make the variant any more transmissible ,dangerous or deadlier.
On the 1st of December 20201, the Nigerian Centers for Disease Control (NCDC) announced that they have discovered three confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Nigeria through genomic sequencing, linking the cases to three passengers from South Africa.
According to the press statement, samples got for the stipulated day two tests for all travelers to Nigeria were positive for this variant in three persons with a history of travel to South Africa.
As governments around the world struggle to prevent the spread of the new menace, many countries have imposed new rules, including lockdowns and travel restrictions.
This new variant has been at the centre of global attention for the past days with people clamoring for scientific details about the new viral strain. Questions such as how dangerous the Omicron Covid-19 Variant is? What should we do to stay safe? When can we expect to find out more about the new variant ETC? Have been on the lips of many.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Omicron Variant, as well as tips on how to stay safe in the meantime.
What is the Omicron Variant?
Omicron is a variant of Coronavirus that may have developed into a more transmissible form. A specimen collected on November 9, 2021, in South Africa was the first reported verified B.1.1.529 infection, which showed that there are many mutations in this variation, some of which are problematic.
D614G, N501Y, and K417N are changes in Omicron’s spike protein that are in other viral variations of concern, which makes scientists think the virus may be more infectious.
What are scientists doing to prevent transmission?
Scientists consider this new variant highly transmissible because the number of occurrences of this variation appears to be increasing in all of South Africa’s provinces.
Compared to other variants, preliminary research suggests that this variation has a higher risk of reinfection. That means those that were previously infected with the Covid-19 virus and recovered from it have a higher risk of getting infected.
WHO and researchers are working at the speed of light to understand and detect the severity of this variant and the potency of existing vaccines on the Omicron.
What are the symptoms of the Omicron Variant?
The symptoms of the variant, according to one of the South African doctors who first suspected a distinct coronavirus strain among patients, said the symptoms are so far minimal and are most likely to be treated at home.
The South African patients with an active case of the Omicron variant complained of severe exhaustion, headache, body aches and pains.
Preventive Measures From The Omicron Variant
Earlier today, Nigeria announced that cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in the country. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that the NCDC has advised Nigerians to abide by in order to protect themselves, their families, and the country against the Omicron variant. They include:
- Full vaccination against COVID-19. (Click here to get vaccinated at Medbury Medicals)
- Adhering to basic precautionary measures, such as;
– Wearing face masks especially in crowded settings
– Washing your hands frequently
– Adherence to physical distancing
– Avoidance of contact with eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with bodily fluids.
-Ensuring good ventilation.
- Avoid countries with a high Covid-19 surge of reported cases of the Omicron variant.
- Avoid all non-essential travelling, both internationally and domestically.
In conclusion,
As additional information on the new variant becomes available, Medbury Medicals will give updates. Don’t miss out on essential developments. Until the next read, keep safe, wear your face mask, avoid crowded gatherings, maintain social distance and perform hand hygiene (hand wash and hand sanitization) often.
