What is Omicron?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa in November 2021 and detected in Canada soon after. The word Omicron is the fifteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. The B.1.1.529 variant or omicron was first labelled by the WHO as a “Variant Under Monitoring”. This category includes a large number of COVID-19 variants that may or may not have a higher risk of infection or severity. B.1.1.529 was named Omicron when it was reclassified as a “Variant of Concern”, a category reserved for variants associated with a higher risk to public health. The VOC classification includes the most severe variants of COVID-19, including the highly contagious Delta variant.

Omicron variants of novel coronavirus have been spread across 89 countries. In India, a total; of about 60,000 cases have been tested positive for covid-19. A total of about 580 deaths have been reported in the last twenty-four hours. It is a highly contagious variant that spreads far too easily than other variants. 

The symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” have been classified into most common symptoms, less common symptoms & serious symptoms.

The most common symptoms for the new COVID Variant 

“Omicron” include fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell.

Less common symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are sore throat, headache, aches, pains, diarrhoea, a rash on the skin, discolouration of fingers or toes, red or irritated eyes.

Serious symptoms for the new COVID Variant “Omicron” are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, or confusion or chest pain.

The most important thing you can do is reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. To protect yourself and your loved ones it is important to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of covid. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask. Keep a physical distance of at least one meter from others. Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces. Open windows to improve ventilation indoors. Wash your hands regularly. When it’s your turn, get vaccinated. WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.