People throughout the world are concerned about the COVID-19 version of Omicron. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a U.S. government agency working with state and local public health officials to track Omicron's spread. Omicron has been found in most states and territories as of December 20, 2021, and is significantly increasing the number of COVID-19 cases.

Spread: The Omicron variety is expected to spread faster than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, although how quickly Omicron spreads compared to Delta is uncertain. The CDC believes that anyone infected with Omicron can transfer the virus to others, even if they are not vaccinated or show no symptoms.

Severe illness: More information is needed to determine if Omicron infections, particularly reinfections and breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people, cause more severe illness or mortality than infections with other variations.

Vaccines: Infection with the Omicron form is predicted to cause severe sickness, hospitalization, and death. Current immunizations are intended to protect against this. Breakthrough infections are more likely to arise in patients who have been fully immunized. Vaccines against other variations, such as Delta, have remained influential in avoiding severe sickness. The new appearance of Omicron highlights the significance of immunization and boosters even more.

Treatments: Scientists are attempting to discover how effective existing COVID-19 therapies are. Some medicines are likely to remain helpful despite Omicron's changing genetic make-up, while others may be less successful.

How can everyone be protected from the Omicron variant?

• Protect the nose and mouth by wearing a mask. When putting on or removing the mask, make sure hands are clean
• Maintain a physical separation of at least one meter from others
• Avoid places that are suffocating, hot or too crowded
• Increase the amount of airflow inside by opening windows
• Handwashing is a must

Tools for Combating Omicron

Vaccines: Vaccines are still the most significant way to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the risk of new variations arising.

• COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective at averting severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
• Omicron is now being researched by scientists, including how well completely vaccinated people will be protected from infection, hospitalization, and death.
• The CDC recommends that everyone aged five and up to be vaccinated entirely against COVID-19.
• According to the CDC, everyone over the age of 18 should have a booster shot at least two months after their initial immunization or six months after finishing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

Mask: Masks protect all types of variants

Regardless of vaccination status, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in public indoor settings in places where community transmission is considerable or high.

Testing: COVID-19 infection can be detected via tests.

NAATs (nucleic acid amplification tests) and antigen testing are two types of tests. Only NAAT and antigen testing can determine if it is currently infected.

The only way to win the war against the epidemic is for everyone to stick together and work together.

 Bhagyashree Hatti
M. Tech (Food Technology)
Quality Assurance and R&D