Even though Omicron is known to cause a ‘miler’ infection than previous coronavirus variants, VOCs have significantly changed the future course of COVID and the way we live with it for the past two years. Not only is the variant highly contagious, but it also shows immune evasion properties and is difficult to detect. All three of these qualities combined make Omicron a game-changer. How to understand, read this:
Identifying the next version:
Omicron, especially the BA.2 subvariant, is difficult to detect, therefore, there are some apprehensions about how COVID variants may be identified in the future. “It can be concerning when something new comes along and we don’t know much about it,” said Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist of a study conducted by the UK-based COVID tracker app ZOE.
Experts suggest that it is imperative to combine different types of tests, surveys etc. to stay on top of COVID in search of new forms. “PCR tests have been incredibly useful in tracking the emergence of variants,” the study said. And, it should be considered in identifying the next variant of the concern.
How Vaccines Will Work:
Thanks to more than 30 mutations in the spike protein, Omicron has changed the way the COVID virus appears in our immune systems. “In partially immune or fully immune populations, there is an edge in omicrons”, explained Professor Wendy Barkley, Head of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London during the study.
“This means that the antibodies we made in response to previous infections or vaccinations do not look at the omicron as well as the delta and previous variants.”
As we learn more about Omicron, changes may occur in the way we use vaccines and boosters to best protect the population. “The next big discussion will be about protecting vulnerable people in the future,” Barclay said.
Wide range of symptoms:
In patients infected with Omicron, cold-like symptoms such as sore throat, severe body ache, fatigue, severe headache are being reported. Many people are also complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, inability to eat and abdominal pain. Strangely, there are fewer cases where infected persons suffer from three classic symptoms of COVID – cough, fever and loss of smell. “Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on their vaccination status, immunity, and a few other things,” said several studies.
However, because of these widespread symptoms, the disease has become more difficult to diagnose.
One good thing, however, is that since people have now been vaccinated two or three times, or have acquired a certain amount of immunity from previous infections, the rate of serious illness and hospitalization is very low.
Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint.
download
Our App Now!!
,