Two years in the Covid-19 situation, it seems that the virus is still unstoppable. It continues to mutate, creating further damage to humanity. One Covid variant that creates fear and panic is Omicron (โอไมครอน, term in Thai). This article will discuss Omicron – what it is and what you should know about it.
What is Omicron?
Omicron is a Covid-19 variant that is far more dangerous than the previous variant, delta. It spreads more rapidly compared to other Covid strains. It also has more mutations than other variants. The mutation is in the spike protein attaching to the cells and relates the virus’s spreading process. Vaccines given to combat omicron aim to target and develop an immune response to the spike proteins.
What are the clinical manifestations?
The symptoms of the omicron variant are the same as the usual covid symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of smell, and loss of taste. The symptoms tend to be mild in fully vaccinated people. However, the symptoms are worst in unvaccinated individuals. The effect is too strong that it could usually lead to hospitalization and death.
Protection against omicron variant
It is a must to protect one’s self against all strains of Covid, and one way of doing so is by getting the Covid-19 vaccine. It protects you from severe symptoms and prevents the possibility of hospitalization, and eventually, death. Omicron is too strong that even fully vaccinated individuals are asked to get a booster shot.
So far, vaccines are the best when it comes to protecting yourself from Covid-19. It reduces the possibility of transmission and reduces the severity of symptoms. It also reduces the likelihood of catching new covid-19 variants. Being a new variant, Omicron remains the dangerous and deadly Covid-19 strain. Scientists are still doing their research to determine how to protect individuals from it. What’s clear, though, is that fully vaccinated people are more protected than those not fully vaccinated. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people five years old and above must be fully vaccinated to protect themselves from Covid-19, including its deadly effect. More so, CDC stressed the importance of getting a booster shot, especially for people 16 years old and above.
Eligibility for booster shot is as follows:
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Pfizer-BioNTech primary series – five months after completion of the vaccine
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Moderna primary series – six months after completion of the primary vaccine
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J&J/Janssen vaccine – two months after completion of the initial vaccine
Omicron preventive measures
The preventive measures impose at the omicron variant are the same as other covid variants. In other words, you have to wear a mask at all times and practice hand washing and social distancing. When going out in public places, you have to maintain your distance from other people. See to it you wear the right mask. Most of all, you have to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Avoid going out in public places, especially when there is a huge crowd. Go out when necessary, such as buying essential things. Most of all isolate yourself if you are experiencing symptoms related to Covid.
