logo
Submit
 
  • call us
    Call Us 75000 75111
  • cart
  • profile
  • Home
  • Patients
    • Explore Full Test menu
    • COVID-19
    • Covid-19 Drive Thru
    • FAQs
    • Blogs
    • Videos
    • PR Media
    • Share Your Feedback
  • Book a Test
  • DOCTORS
    • National Reference Lab
    • Research and Development
    • Download Forms
    • Scientific Literature
    • Webinars
  • Lab Locator
  • DOWNLOAD REPORT
  • UPLOAD PRESCRIPTION
  • PARTNER WITH US
    • Franchising Opportunities
    • Corporate Wellness
    • Hospital Lab Management
    • Organise Camps

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Term View
ALL BLOGS
Covid 19

Omicron Variant - How to deal with the new scare?

By: Pathkind Labs 10-Dec-2021
4282
Views

If you thought the COVID-19 scare was over and life was back to normal where you could walk around without a mask or a sanitizer and socialize freely, you were dead wrong.  The new Omicron variant that has surfaced recently in South Africa may be the harbinger of bad news. It is spreading rapidly and looks more virulent than the previous variant.

Here is all the information you need about the Omicron virus.

What is the latest on the Omicron variant?

Till a few weeks back, South Africa was coping well with COVID-19. The number of daily cases was on the decline and things looked under control. One day there was a sudden surge in the number of cases among university students in Pretoria. Doctors thought it was caused by the Delta Variant but decided to sequence the genome of the virus to be sure. The result was startling. It wasn’t the Delta virus but something different with over 50 mutations. Delta had fewer than 20. Say hello to Omicron - the new variant that has put the world on high alert once again.

The variant was reported to WHO on 24th November and as we write, Omicron cases have been identified in more than a dozen countries across five continents which gives you a fair idea of how rapidly it is spreading. The World Health Organization has classified the Omicron variant as “very high risk” which means that governments and healthcare systems have to be extra vigilant.

On 26th November, WHO labelled the Omicron virus a “variant of concern” which means in layman terms that it is more contagious than earlier strains and likely to be more resistant to vaccines. While the Delta variant was declared a variant of concern 6 months after it was first reported, it took only 2 days for Omicron to be given the same label. It is highly likely that the Omicron variant will spread rapidly and given the high number of mutations, it could have severe consequences.

The Omicron variant has been detected in 23 countries to date including India but no deaths have been reported so far. The spread of the Omicron variant is likely to put more pressure on the healthcare system. Countries with a low vaccination rate are likely to feel the pinch harder.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 Omicron variant?

The symptoms are similar to previous variants and include fever, cough, tiredness, loss of taste or smell.

What are the precautions to be taken?

The precautions that were laid down at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 hold true even today. The pandemic has not been eradicated, rather a new, more virulent variant has popped up. It is time to be vigilant and exercise caution in our daily lives. Precautions include -

  • Vaccination
  • Use of Mask
  • Washing of hands
  • Social distancing
  • Avoid guests
  • Follow quarantine rules
  • Work remotely
  • Do not neglect symptoms

Vaccination is a must - It is clear that vaccination is still our best bet against the virus. You have to get both doses of your vaccine at the earliest. Get an appointment online at the nearest vaccination centre and complete your doses. Prevention is always better than cure and it is 100% true when it comes to COVID-19.

Wear your mask when you go out - Wear one or two masks when you go out. There is no point risking your life by being silly and careless. It is clear that a mask is your best protection against the virus. Ensure that you wear the mask correctly covering your nose and mouth fully.

Wash your hands regularly - Please use soap and water to wash your hands regularly while at home. Always use the sanitiser if soap and water are not available and carry one with you when  you go out. Use it liberally to keep your hands germ-free. Make sure you cover your fingers and the back of your hand. Do not wipe or rinse after applying the sanitiser. Avoid using the sanitiser in the kitchen.

Maintain social distancing - The virus is still around and it doesn’t make sense to let go of social distancing norms. Practise the social distancing protocol of 6 feet distance when you are outside. Do not attend mass gatherings especially when a new variant is on the loose.

Avoid having people over - Unless absolutely necessary, you can avoid having guests till the variant is under control. A little bit of restraint can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

Follow quarantine while travelling - Follow the quarantine rules if you are travelling. Self isolate yourself for the prescribed period to keep others safe. The rules may vary from state to state or country to country.

Work remotely - Working from home is the safest option. Given the advancement of technology, it is a very prudent decision taken by most organisations/ educational institutions to work remotely. It is efficient and effective and most importantly it keeps everyone safe to fight another day.

Don’t neglect symptoms - If you exhibit any of the symptoms like fever, cough, tiredness , loss of taste or smell for more than 48 hours make sure you contact the nearest diagnostic lab and get an RT PCR test done immediately. They can send a lab technician home to collect the sample. Do not ignore symptoms or let them aggravate. Remember early detection is important for treatment and cure.

With the threat of the Omicron variant becoming real, it is up to you to follow the precautions carefully. Getting vaccinated is top priority and its benefit cannot be underestimated. Following simple safety precautions like wearing a mask, using a sanitiser and maintaining social distancing can be life savers. Just as we beat the previous two waves, it is indeed possible to beat the Omicron variant as well. All it needs is self-discipline. If everyone follows the protocol, it is not impossible to limit the spread of this virus. Don’t make it hard on the healthcare system. Abide by a few rules and the Omicron variant of the virus can be handled well. In case of any doubts, please consult your doctor and seek expert advice.

Share this

  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Related Blogs

  • Keeping Kids Healthy Keeping Kids Healthy As They Go To School
    By: publisher20-May-2022

     As a parent, the first thing that comes to mind

  • Post COVID Syndrome Explained: Post-COVID Syndrome, a.k.a Long COVID
    By: publisher12-May-2022

    Even the mildest cases of COVID-19 usually bring dreary sympt

  • Do the existing vaccines protect against Covid-19 Omicron Variant Do the existing vaccines protect against Covid-19 Omicron Variant
    By: publisher22-Dec-2021

    When the world entered into a lockdown after the discovery of what was soon to

  • 5 Simple Precautionary Measures to take against Covid-19 Omicron Variant 5 Simple Precautionary Measures to take against Covid-19 Omicron Variant
    By: publisher22-Dec-2021

    As the world went into a lockdown, little did anyone anticipate the beginning o

  • Is the third wave of Covid-19 real? Here's how you can survive through it! Is the third wave of Covid-19 real? Here's how you can survive through it!
    By: pathadmn22-Jul-2021

    Nobody knows for sure whether the third wave of Covid-19 will hit us. However,…

  • Tips to follow for an easier post-COVID-19 recovery Tips to follow for an easier post-COVID-19 recovery
    By: pathadmn08-Jul-2021

    COVID-19 has changed the way of life irrevocably across the globe since last…

  • Importance of Covid-19 Vaccines and why you should not miss it Importance of Covid-19 Vaccines and why you should not miss it
    By: pathadmn08-Jul-2021

    Vaccinations against Covid-19 were developed using science that has been in the…

  • Black Fungus: All You Need To Know Black Fungus: All You Need To Know
    By: pathadmn08-Jun-2021

    Amidst the terror of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a new infection that

  • How Can You Help Others During This COVID-19 Crisis? How Can You Help Others During This COVID-19 Crisis?
    By: pathadmn27-May-2021

    During such a time of crisis, we need to work as a community in order to come…

  • How Does COVID-19 Vaccine Work And How Long Is It Effective? Will I Need It Every Year? How Does COVID-19 Vaccine Work And How Long Is It Effective? Will I Need It Every Year?
    By: pathadmn27-May-2021

    Before understanding how the COVID-19 vaccine works, let us briefly understand…

  • How Does The Vaccine Work And Why You Should Get The Vaccine How Does The Vaccine Work And Why You Should Get The Vaccine
    By: pathadmn27-May-2021

    It is important to study and understand the enemy that we are up against.

  • What To Do Immediately After You Test Positive For COVID-19? What To Do Immediately After You Test Positive For COVID-19?
    By: pathadmn27-May-2021

    After you have taken your COVID-19 test and the results have come out as…

Browse

  • About Us
  • Career
  • FAQ
  • Mission & Vision
  • Book a Test
  • Partner with Us
    • Franchising Opportunities
    • Corporate Wellness
    • Hospital Lab Management
    • Organise Camps
  • Management
  • Management
  • Employee Portal 1
  • Employee Portal 2
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

Follow us

  • facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linked in
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

© 2022 Pathkind Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.