Every thing you need to know about new Covid-19 variant 'OMICRON'

Every thing you need to know about new Covid-19 variant 'OMICRON' | New Covid Variant Omicron

fitROSKY November 29, 2021

Every thing you need to know about new Covid variant 'OMICRON' | New Covid Variant Omicron

On November 26 2021, WHO (World Health Organization) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, has  named it Omicron.

This omicron variant first reported to World Health Organization from South Africa on 24th of November.

According to the WHO, Omicron has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.

The number of Omicron variant has found in almost all provinces in South Africa. There are lots of study are underway and TAG-VE will communicate to evaluate this variant.

There are some other countries in which omicron variant has been found till now:

South Africa
Botswana
Belgium
Hong Kong
Israel
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Austria
Denmark
Australia
Italy
France
Canada (Reported its first case of omicron on Sunday in two people who came for Nigeria)

AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria has said that, "The new variant of coronavirus reportedly has got more than 30 mutations at the spike protein region and therefore has the potential of developing immune escape mechanisms".

"As most vaccines forming antibodies against the spike protein, so many mutations at the spike protein region may lead to a decreased efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines", he further said.

The WHO said "Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on trajectory of the pandemic".

Are the symptoms of Omicron variants are different?

the NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases) of South Africa has said that,"Currently, no usually symptoms" have been reported.

Patient with omicron strain complain of fatigue, head and body aches, occasional sore throats and coughs, said Angelique Coetzee, Chairwoman of the South African medical association.

There is no major drop in oxygen level seen in patient with omicron strain till now.

Patient with omicron strain have not reported loss of taste or smell.

Most of the patient of omicron strain have recovered without hospitalization, said doctors.

Vaccine effectiveness and Disease severity?

Scientist are not in the position to say any thing about severity and vaccine effectiveness because omicron's epidemiology and clinical correlation is not fully established.

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