Last Updated on December 14, 2021 by The Health Master
Here is all about Omicron
WHO announced the Omicron variant as a variant of concern (VOC). This has led to a lot of panic across the globe.
There is a divided opinion among countries regarding the approach to Omicron, particularly due to the catastrophic events caused by the earlier Delta variant.
With the limited data available so far, Brigadier Ashok Rajput (Retd.), who was a professor & head of pulmonary medicine at the Army Medical College, Delhi, and is currently the chief consultant — respiratory & sleep medicine at Artemis Hospital, addresses some common questions with the limited data available so far.
Why is Omicron a variant of concern?
This variant has a large number of mutations. The Delta variant, which caused severe Covid-19 waves across the world, evolved with 9 mutations on spike protein; whereas, in contrast, Omicron has 32 mutations.
Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection — three times that of Delta — of reinfection, that is, previously-infected people getting COVID-19 again.
It spreads fast
The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. In 4-6 weeks’ time, it will be spreading to all countries across the globe and is likely to be the dominant variant.
Can it be detected by normal RT-PCR Test?
Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant. Several labs have indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected (called S gene dropout or S gene target failure) and this test can, therefore, be used as a marker for this variant, pending gene sequencing confirmation.
Does it cause more serious illness?
It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta.
There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from other variants.
Initial reported infections are among university students — younger individuals, who otherwise too tend to have a mild disease.
But understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks. Cough, tiredness, fever and body ache are dominant symptoms observed so far.
The South African experience suggests a mild disease. Majority of cases are incidental detection, i.e., it’s detected in subjects who are tested for other reasons. Omicron is not causing deaths directly.
Who should be taking more care?
Unvaccinated people and children should be taking precautions as they are at risk. Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (i.e., people who have previously had COVID-19 could become re-infected more easily with Omicron)
What are treatment options?
Treatment for the Omicron variant is the same as other variants. Corticosteroids and IL-6 Receptor Blockers will still be effective for managing patients with severe COVID-19.
Are vaccines effective?
Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating variant, Delta.
Current vaccines remain effective against severe diseases and death, with the requirement of oxygen and hospitalisation much lower in vaccinated groups.
What should we do?
The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is:
- To keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others;
- Wear a well-fitting mask;
- Open windows to improve ventilation;
- Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces;
- Keep hands clean;
- Cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue;
- Get vaccinated.
Vaccines provide a high degree of protection against severe disease, and a booster dose will have a role in protecting those who were vaccinated more than six months ago.
Vaccines for children and adolescents are desirable and will reduce the spread as these are the most vulnerable groups at present.
What is the Indian scenario likely to be?
India’s vaccination rate is more than double that of South Africa. People still use masks in India despite declining rates of infection.
Immunity in the population is good, due to the massive effect of the Delta variant in the second wave.
Our concern is the large younger population, which is still unvaccinated and attending schools and will be the cause of spread of the infection. Jan-Feb is likely to see a spurt in India, although cases will be milder with less hospitalisation.
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