**Reference: WHO
What do we know so far?
- Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was given the “variant of concern” designation by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 26, 2021, after being flagged by research scientists and clinicians in South Africa.
- If you have been infected with any other variants causing COVID-19, you may be at an increased risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant.
- The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can detect omicron caused infections
- PCR targets 3 different genes to detect the presence of variants causing COVID-19. To detect Omicron, S gene dropout occurs diagnosing the presence of Omicron.
- Similar to Delta variant, Omicron variant also has mutations; however, there are far more (> 30) Omicron mutations and are all novel and have not yet been studied
What do we still have to find out?
- The transmissibility of Omicron
- Is it more easily spread than other variants?
- The severity of infection caused by Omicron
- Are people getting more severely sick faster? Do all individuals require hospital admission?
- Unsure whether rapid antigen tests can detect omicron caused infections
- The effectiveness of the vaccines on Omicron variant
What should we do?
- Follow the local public health guidelines
- Don’t panic
- Try to avoid gatherings
- Continue wearing masks
- Though we do not have specific data on the effectiveness of vaccinations on the Omicron variant, it is still essential to get vaccinated
- Vaccines are still effective in reducing severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated risk of death
“When we don’t know how to treat, we need to find ways to prevent!”
Thank you to all the front-line workers, to the people who follow public health guidelines, to everyone who has chosen to protect themselves and others through vaccinations! All of your efforts are much appreciated!
For more info:
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2021-update-on-omicron
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1201-omicron-variant.html
