The Omicron variant is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa on November 24, 2021. It was first detected in Botswana and has since spread to become the predominant variant in circulation around the world. The Omicron variant has many mutations that haven’t been seen before, which makes it a “variant of concern” (VoC).
According to the WHO, the Omicron variant has several mutations in the spike protein of the virus, which may affect how easily it spreads and how well it is recognized by antibodies. The Omicron variant has been classified as a lineage B.1.1.529 and has several subvariants including BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5.
Symptoms of the Omicron variant include asymptomatic infection, body ache, cough, fainting, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of smell or taste, nasal congestion or running nose (less common), night sweats (unique Omicron symptom), upper respiratory tract infection, skin rash, sneezing and sore throat.
Studies from around the world are painting a consistent picture that Omicron is milder than the Delta variant with a 30% to 70% lower chance of people infected ending up in hospital. However, it is still important to take precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated. Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine provide protection against severe disease and hospitalization caused by Omicron and its subvariants.
Omicron is not thought to be more dangerous than other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, it is important to note that any infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and death, especially in people who are older or have underlying health conditions.
There is some preliminary evidence suggesting that the Omicron variant is more infectious than the Delta variant. However, there is no evidence so far that standard prevention strategies including vaccination, masking, distancing, ventilation and hand-washing are not effective in reducing the risk of infection or transmission.
Omicron spreads in the same way as other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
For omicron, there are very limited data on this. But so far, the answer appears to be no. We will know more about this in the coming weeks.
The Omicron variant has many mutations that haven’t been seen before, which makes it a variant of concern. According to studies from around the world, if you catch Omicron, you are less likely to become seriously ill than with previous variants. Omicron is milder than the Delta variant, with a 30% to 70% lower chance of people infected ending up in hospital.
The symptoms of Omicron are similar to the symptoms of other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.
Some people infected with Omicron may experience no symptoms at all.
The duration of Omicron symptoms is still being studied, but early research suggests that the average patient will experience symptoms for about 5 days 1. However, some patients may experience symptoms for as long as 10 to 14 days 1. It is important to note that people who test positive with any variant of COVID-19 typically experience some symptoms for a couple of weeks. People who have long COVID-19 symptoms can experience health problems for four or more weeks after first being infected, according to the CDC.
It is still important to take precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated.
If you think you may have been exposed to Omicron, you should get tested for COVID-19. Testing is available at most doctor's offices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others and follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.
There is no specific treatment for Omicron. Treatment is generally supportive and focused on relieving symptoms. In some cases, hospitalized patients may require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.
Omicron is a contagious variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but it is important to remember that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. By getting vaccinated and following other public health measures, you can help protect yourself and others from Omicron.
