OMICRON VARIANT: What You Need To Know

With the concerning spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, vaccination is now more essential than ever. India fares well so far, having administered over 125 crore vaccine doses. Still however, the new variant’s alarming infection rate demands a proactive approach here in Kerala, learning from our earlier mistakes. The Government of Kerala has already called for restrictions to be in place while closely monitoring the spread scenario in India.

Omicron

Omicron, scientifically known as B.1.1.529, was first reported in South Africa on November 24th, 2021. In a short timespan, Omicron spread over 30 countries including India. Preliminary observations found that the symptoms of this variant are quite different from the preceding delta variant. There is also the fact that the new variant isn’t as troublesome as its predecessors despite posing a risk to the elderly and the sick. However, this in no way means Omicron cannot be deadly.

The World Health Organization released the following key symptoms of Omicron.

• Nausea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Fever

• Cough

The Government of Kerala currently recommends PCR as the standard test to identify if one is COVID positive. But according to experts, to check infection of the Omicron variant, genetic analysis is required. As per the norm introduced by the Government of India on December 1st 2021, travelers who reached India and tested positive for COVID-19, the samples should be sent for genome sequencing in order to detect the presence of the Omicron strain. This practice may eventually be implemented by the Health Department of Kerala as well. Considering the need, hospitals will also be required to make some upgrades to facilitate genome sequencing.

We believe the present system in Kerala will be adequate to keep the Omicron strain at bay and minimize the damage provided we all continue to follow COVID-19 protocols to break the chain.

As for the vaccines, research is underway to determine the effectiveness of current vaccines against Omicron though the World Health Organization does emphasize that the present vaccines do offer some layer of protection, and should theoretically decrease the chances of severity and death associated with the disease.

Preventing Omicron Infection

You play a key role in keeping the pandemic at bay. Here are a few things you can do to break the chain.

• Wear good quality N95 mask covering your nose and mouth.

• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others.

• Stay in places with good ventilation.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Get fully vaccinated.

As the Government takes more stringent measures to combat the spread of Omicron, we shouldn’t neglect our role in the big picture. The pandemic is not the end of the world. Let’s survive the hardships together with diligence.

At TSC Hospital, we have already made the arrangements to help Trivandrum form a medical barricade and to recuperate should things go out of control. Meanwhile, our doctors recommend all residents of Trivandrum to discard old masks, cloth masks and regular masks, and use N95 masks instead while following all other COVID guidelines and protocols.

Stay Safe.