What is OMICRON??
Omicron is the latest coronavirus variant on World Health Organization list of variants of concern - alpha, beta, gamma & delta are others four. It has a laundry list of mutations never seen before, including 32 in its spike protein.
Why is OMICRON worrying??
omicron has more than 50 mutation differentiating it from the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses mutate the mutations are not themselves odd but often the more transmissible virus becomes, the more mutation they develop. Many of Omicron mutations are on the spike protein. The more mutations to the spike protein, the harder it can be for the immune system to neutralize the virus.
What are the most Concerning Omicron mutations??
Most cases of Covid- 19 are mild, so it may be a few weeks before we have a sense of it causes more severe disease. In South Africa cases of Omicron appear to be raising faster than they did with the delta variant, but there has not been an obvious change in the hospitalization . That may be because it's too soon to know, or it could be because Omicron doesn't cause more sensitive disease. We just have to wait and see. Much as we think of vaccines all or nothing - the protection they offer exists in a spectrum. Breakthrough infections are possible with some mutations and immunity wanes over time. With the four other VCSs, we know that if breakthrough infections occur, vaccines still offer protection from hospitalization death for the vast majority of fully vaccinated individuals.
Is Omicron more deadly than other variants of Covid - 19?
Vaccines seem to be effective against the new variant and the World Health Organisation found, and scientists around the world reiterated that there is no evidence the Omicron variant is more deadly then previous strains.Currently there is no reason for panicking as we don't see severely I'll patients.
We have tools to Fight Omicron
Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. Scientists are currently investing Omicron including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization and death. CDC recommends that everyone 5 years older protect themselves from Covid - 19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC recommends that everyone ahes 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after initial or after completing their primary vaccines series.
CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Tests can tell you if you are currently infecting with Covid - 19. Two types of tests are used to tests for curret infection: nucleic acid amplification test Antigen tests. NAAT and antigen tests can tell you if you have current infection. Individuals can use Covid - 19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek. Additional tests would be needed to determine if your infection was caused by Omicron. Visit your state, tribal, local or territorial health department's website to look for the latest local information on testing.
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