Why Omicron variant should not be taken lightly
COVID's Omicron variant has raised several concerns in and around the world. From the time it was first detected in South Africa to the present date, the new variant has been found in 77 countries so far. On Tuesday, The World Health Organization said that the B.1.1.529 variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate, urging countries to brace up and take proper measures to contain the same.
Also See: Coronavirus Omicron Variant Symptoms
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What makes it concerning?
While it's too early to suggest anything, the heavily mutated variant is said to be highly transmissible and is set to surpass the Delta variant in the race of transmission. According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn't been detected yet." "Omicron is spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant," he added. Although most cases of Omicron have been mild so far, the UK reported it's first Omicron death on Monday.
Do not be mistaken and dismiss Omicron as 'mild'
Since the onset of the Omicron variant, doctors and medical experts have been calling out the hype built around the new variant.
Initially, when the new coronavirus variant was first detected in South Africa, Dr Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association, suggested that the disease was mild and people who were infected did not report any severe symptoms.
From mild fever, fatigue, body ache and 'scratchy throat' to no signs of loss of smell or taste, the doctor listed down symptoms that did not seem serious.
However, WHO expert Bruce Aylward has strictly warned against "jumping to a conclusion that this is a mild disease."
He urges people to take the variant more seriously rather than dismissing it off as 'mild' and walking into the holiday season without any measures and vigilance.
"If we go into a season like we're going into now when a lot of people want to get together for the holiday season, and we have a more transmissible virus, we could be setting ourselves up for a very dangerous situation," he warned.
Letting your guard down now could be dangerous
COVID-19 has been unpredictable since the day it was first detected. From the symptoms to its progression to the long term impact it can have on individuals, everything is uncertain when it comes to the SARs-COV-2 virus.
Furthermore, new variants like the most recent Omicron can be difficult to decipher. While you may think that it is less severe and may not cause the same chaos as the Delta, think again. WHO chief Tedros has advised against "dismissing Omicron as mild." As per the doctor, while the new variant may cause less severe symptoms, the increase in the number of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system around the world.
Having said that, we all have witnessed the devastation caused during the second COVID-19 wave. If we want to avoid a similar situation, we must take all preventive measures.
Wear your masks and maintain physical distance
As we all know, COVID-19 is highly contagious. The SARs-COV-2 virus primarily spreads between people through close contact and via aerosols. That said, wearing your masks can minimize your risk of contracting the virus to a great extent. Apart from that, maintaining proper distance from other people, washing your hands after touching frequently accessed areas, can also reduce your risk of developing the infection.
Read also: Omicron variant of Coronavirus: “It’s time we get the kids vaccinated against COVID”
Postpone your parties, avoid social gatherings, limit outdoor activities
Vaccinated or unvaccinated, you must refrain yourself from hosting parties, attending social gatherings and must avoid outdoor activities, especially when it involves crowded areas.
Amid growing concerns over the new Omicron variants, health officials around the world have urged people to be more vigilant during the holiday season. Since the new variant is said to be more transmissible than the Delta variant, it is only a matter of time when the entire world is affected by it.
How to protect your kids
As parents, the first step to protect your kids is by getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Given that kids under the age of 18 are yet to receive their vaccine shots, those around them, eligible for the vaccines, should not wait anymore.
Other than that, ensure that your child wears a mask, everytime they go out, attend schools or engage in outdoor activities. However, it is best to restrict their outdoor visits for the time being. Handwashing and sanitizing should be some of the basic things that should be taught to kids in the current times.
Keep an eye out for booster shots
Many countries like the US, Israel and the UK have started offering vaccine boosters to its people.
While India is yet to give authorization for booster shots in the country, waning immunity and emergence of new variants may call for additional vaccine doses soon enough. Whether or not it will give better immunity against the Omicron variant is yet to be seen.