When we talk about the behavior of the new variant Omicron, we haven’t been able to derive much clarity about how easily or how fast it can spread, how severe its symptoms can be, or how well the vaccines we have can protect us from it. Several researchers are constantly doing their part with help of health officials to monitor the behavior of the new variant Omicron.
But we can surely note down a few important traits, patterns, and symptoms that it comes with.
Range/ Frequency/ Speed of Spread-
Evidence shows that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is spreading more easily as compared to the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. We are yet to know how easily Omicron can spread as compared to Delta. Omicron infection can occur from anyone who is carrying the virus, even if they are vaccinated or are not showing any visible symptoms.
Severity/ Degree of Illness Caused-
Scientists have announced that they need to accumulate, study, and analyze more data pertaining to Omicron infections, in order to understand whether reinfections, asymptomatic, infections, and breakthrough infections are possible among fully vaccinated individuals and whether it causes more severe illness or more widespread loss of life, as compared to other variants.
Vaccination for Prevention-
Studies have revealed that the vaccines that have been rolled out till now, are expected to have the capability and power to protect infected persons from severe illness caused by Omicron infection. The current vaccines may also be duly responsible for reducing the need for hospitalizations and the number of deaths from Omicron infection.
Treatment Possibilities by Covid Doctor Kolkata-
Scientists are still exploring the existing treatment of Covid-19 to determine how effectively the available treatments can treat symptoms of Omicron infection. Studying the transformed genetic structure of Omicron, scientists believe that there will be several existing treatments that will not be effective enough to fight the Omicron variant, but there will be quite some that will still be effective on the new variant too! The best Medicine doctors can provide you with effective treatment and understanding of the possibilities of the infection.
What are the symptoms of Omicron Infection?
The Most Common Symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Loss of Taste or Smell.
Rarer symptoms include the following:
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Aches
- Pains
- Diarrhea
- A Rash On Skin
- Discoloration Of Fingers Or Toes
Severe Symptoms:
- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Loss of speech or mobility
- Chest pain.
What do we do now to protect ourselves?
You do 3 things-
Complete your vaccination!
Get your Covid-19 vaccination completed NOW! The Covid-19 vaccines are actually highly effective in protecting you from severe illness, hospitalization, or death from Omicron infection. It is recommended that everyone belonging to the age group above 16 get a booster shot once the first two shots of the Covid-19 vaccine course are complete. Booster shot eligibility requires you to wait until you complete-
-5 months after completing the Pfizer-BioNTech primary course,
-6 months after completing the Moderna primary course, and
-2 months after the initial J&J/Janssen vaccine.
Wear your mask!
Your mask will protect you from all variants of Covid-19, don’t forget that! Continue to wear your mask in public areas, shared areas, and other places prone to a substantial degree of community transmission, irrespective of whether you have completed your vaccination or not. If using disposable masks, remember to dump them safely in a covered space. If using reusable masks, try to keep a set of 2 masks handy, and wash one of them every other day, to wear a clean mask every day.
Get your test done!
You can only know you’re infected or not if you get tested! So, if you’re experiencing any symptoms at all, Go Get Tested and checked by Covid doctor Kolkata immediately, instead of attempting to self-diagnose.
At present, there are several available tests including RT-PCR test kits available for the diagnosis of Covid-19 allowing you to get tested as soon as possible from the time you notice the first symptoms. These tests can detect whether you have a current infection or not.
You may need to get specific additional tests besides either of the two previously mentioned tests to detect whether you were infected with the Omicron variant or some other variant.
The moment you notice symptoms, consult with the best doctor immediately. Any delay will only expose you to higher risks of severity.
Luckily, we already have self-testing kits out available in the market. So, if you want, you can get a self-test kit suggested by any trusted covid doctor Kolkata, and get tested fast and easy. Results are pretty fast so self-tests won’t keep you worried and waiting for long.
If you test positive from your self-test, make sure to quarantine yourself for 10 days, wear a mask if you need to come in contact with other individuals, and get in touch with the best Medicine doctor or healthcare provider near you.