Omicron Virus

Unfortunately, a new variant known as omicron has popped up and has become a matter of concern for the world; that's what we will learn today. So friends, in today's blog, let us shed some light on this newly mutated coronavirus species and see how dangerous the omicron variant is. 

There is a lot of confusion around the coronavirus. However, one thing is sure it keeps mutating into new variants, and omicron is the latest member in its family, which raises how this virus mutates. Well, that happens when an existing virus exchanges its genes with some wild flu virus present in pigs or other poultry animals, in the process called antigenic shift. It brings a dramatic mutation in the virus, making them stronger with unpredictable behavior. As the animal's body isn't prepared to tackle this new version of the virus, it makes it hard for its immune system to detect and fight these unique species. Soon they begin to take over its body causing symptoms like fever inflamed eyes. Running snouts, and once a human comes in contact with these poor infected animals, the virus quickly takes this opportunity and jumps into a new host. We could only assume that something similar must have happened in the case of the omicron variant 2. 

This variant was first reported from South Africa on 24 November 2021. Since the finding of this mutated version of the corona, there has been a steep increase in the number of comet patients in almost all provinces of South Africa. Due to this, on 26 November 2021, WHO designated omicron as a variant of concern, but the vital question is just how much threat does omicron presents to us. 

First of all, it is essential to know that not much information is available on this subject. Yet, yes, it is unclear whether omicron is more transmissible than other variants, including delta. However, the number of people testing positive has surged in South Africa affected by this variant. 

Epidemiologic studies are underway to learn if it is because of omicron or other reasons. So yes, scientists in South Africa and worldwide are conducting studies to understand many aspects of omicron better. They will continue to share the verdicts of these studies as they become available. So until we receive any concrete evidence regarding its severity, we must abstain from spreading any information that could lead to a state of mass panic but remember, my friends, all variants of Covid 19, including the delta variant, which is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or can be fatal particularly for the most vulnerable people.

Also, preliminary evidence regarding omicron suggests that there may be an increased risk of re-infection, meaning people who have previously had covid-19 could become re-infected more easily with omicron as compared to other variants. Although the information is still very limited, it is our duty and responsibility to keep taking preventive measures like wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and using sanitizers more than usual, but here is a piece of good news according to WHO. 

The current set of vaccines seems to be somewhat effective against the new variant, too, so the best option to be this new virus and bring our world back to normal is by getting a vaccine shot asap trip your time did you know WHO began naming the variants after Greek letters to avoid public confusion and stigma. The omicron variant was named after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.