CALLING OMICRON" MILD":A MISTAKE

 

          The omicron variant of covid-19 is killing people across the globe and should not be dismissed as mild. While omicron appears to be less severe than delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorized as mild. Just like previous variants, omicron is hospitalizing people and it is killing people.

          On the suggestion of WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, WHO recognized variation B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021, and called it Omicron (TAG-VE). This judgement was made based on data submitted to the TAG-VE that Omicron has various alterations that could affect how it acts, such as how easy it spreads or how serious the sickness it produces. Here's a quick rundown of everything we know so far.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE:

           It's unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible (easier to transfer from person to person) than other variations, such as Delta. In areas of South Africa where this variant is prevalent, the number of patients testing positive has increased, but epidemiologic studies are planned to determine if this is due to Omicron or other factors.

          It is unknown whether Omicron infection causes more severe disease than other forms, such as Delta. According to preliminary data, hospitalization rates are rising in South Africa, however this could be attributable to an increase in the general number of persons affected rather than a specific Omicron illness.

         There is little indication that the symptoms associated with Omicron are distinct from those associated with other genotypes. Early research suggests that omicron causes minor illness in most people, at least in those who have had their Covid-19 immunizations. Poehling, who is also a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the CDC on vaccine selections, said omicron appears to have a few distinct symptoms:

• Cough
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Congestion and runny nose

          Preliminary evidence suggests that, as compared to other variations of concern, Omicron may pose a higher risk of reinfection (i.e., those who have previously had COVID-19 may be more easily reinfected with Omicron), although data is limited. In the next days and weeks, more information will be accessible on this.

           Vaccines, notably those against the major circulating form, Delta, are still crucial in decreasing severe disease and death. Vaccines in use today are still effective in preventing serious illness and death. Patients with severe COVID-19 will continue to benefit from corticosteroids and IL6 receptor blockers. Given the alterations to portions of the virus in the Omicron form, other treatments will be evaluated to see if they are still beneficial..