Everything We've Learned About The Omicron Variant Thus Far
Table of Contents
The new COVID variant is still living within the human population and people are still at a risk of contracting the infection. In the case of Omicron induced infection, sometimes it may be difficult to identify the symptoms of infection as they are not similar to that of previous coronavirus variants'. Omicron leads to mild symptoms, which at times are not even related to the respiratory system. Months of research on the Omicron variant has revealed some uncommon signs of the infection caused by this variant, which can help to detect the signs in the early stage.
Spread
The Omicron variant, like other variants, comprises a number of lineages and sublineages. The three most common lineages of Omicron currently are BA.1, BA.1.1 and BA.2. The Omicron variant spreads more easily than earlier variants of the virus that cause COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
Symptoms
Persons infected with the Omicron variant can present with symptoms similar to previous variants. The presence and severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, the presence of other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.
Severe Illness
Omicron infection generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. Even if only a small percentage of people with Omicron infection need hospitalization, a large volume of cases in a community could overwhelm the healthcare system which is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. This includes primary series, booster shots, and additional doses for those who need them.
Current vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated can occur. People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.
Treatments
Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Some monoclonal antibody treatments are less effective against Omicron’s BA.2 lineage, but continue to work against BA.1 and BA.1.1 lineages. Other non-monoclonal antibody treatments remain effective against Omicron. Public health agencies work with healthcare providers to ensure that effective treatments are used appropriately to treat patients.
Conclusion
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 acts more like a head cold than previous manifestations of the coronavirus. By lingering in the nose and throat, Omicron can spread faster but appears to be less deadly than previous variants.
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