As we ring in the New Year with joy and hope, we look wish Good Health, Peace and Happiness to all.
The first challenge of the year is already upon us!!
The pandemic has not ended!
A new mutant variety of the SARS-CoV2 Virus, named Omicron has appeared on the horizon. Endowed with an unbelievable number of 15 mutations, this virus is very highly transmissible. What this means is that even a small exposure , for a short time , is enough to spread the infection. With an Ro of 2.69, this virus variety is capable of spreading through the community at a very rapid rate.
The symptoms due to Omicron tend to be non specific fever, throat pain, cold and headache. These tend to subside in 3-4 days. However , in persons with co-morbid conditions, the virus may cause severe symptoms and may even require hospitalisation.
The currently available medications for treatment, including the monoclonal antibody preparations, have been noted to be of lower potency or ineffective . Hence, the strongest bet to stay protected from Omicron variant, and prevent spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus, is to wear a snugly fitting mask and ensure that safe distancing is practised. Also, the currently available vaccines must be administered in a 2 dose schedule ,to all eligible populations.
#covidinfection #omicron #sarscov2virus #covidvaccine #covidvaccination
