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..        

BOOSTER SHOTS:

         People who have finished their primary immunization series are given booster doses, which are usually one or two doses depending on the product. A booster shot is required when the population's immunity falls below the rate regarded sufficient. The goal of a booster dosage is to restore vaccine effectiveness when it has been determined that it is no longer adequate.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

·         CDC:

The CDC states:

      1. People above the age of 65 should obtain a booster shot.

      2. Residents in long-term care facilities should receive a booster dosage if they are 18 or older.

      3. People aged 50 to 64 who have underlying medical issues should receive a booster dosage.

      4. People aged 18 to 45 who have an underlying medical problem may be given a booster dosage.

      5. People aged 18 to 64 who live in high-risk locations may receive a booster dosage.

·         NHS:

The NHS states:

       1. People in their fifties and sixties

       2. People who live and work in nursing homes

       3. health and social care personnel on the front lines

       4. People aged 16 and up who have a medical condition that puts them at a high risk of being critically ill as a result of COVID-19.

       5. People aged 16 and over who are the primary carrier of COVID-19 for someone at high risk.

       6. People over the age of 16 who reside with someone who is more susceptible to illness (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

       7. People who are pregnant and belong to one of the eligible groups are also eligible for a booster shot.

WHEN TO GET A BOOSTER DOSE?

          Booster dose should be administered after 2-6 months of second shot.

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED:

According to WHO:

·         IMMUNITY:

          It's uncertain whether a decrease in titer after immunisation reflects a decrease in vaccine efficacy. Some vaccines claim to provide immunity for up to 6 months after injection. Neutralizing antibodies have been observed to be waning..

·         VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS:

           The majority of studies on the duration of protection are observational. The effectiveness of the vaccine against infection and milder forms of COVID-19 has been steadily declining over time, according to new findings. In terms of the duration of protection against diseases that necessitate hospitalisation, current data show that it is still very effective.

The vast majority of contemporary infections are seen in unvaccinated populations, and if breakthrough infections do occur in vaccinated people, they are usually milder than in unvaccinated people.

·         GLOBAL VACCINE SUPPLY:

            The level of evidence regarding the necessity for these doses, their safety and effectiveness, as well as the global availability of vaccines should all be considered when deciding whether or not to add a booster dose to a national immunisation programme.

BOOSTER VS THIRD DOSE:

           What is a booster vaccine, exactly? Is it the same as a third or additional shot? Is there a difference in meaning if we're talking about a booster rather than a third dose?

Yes, according to the US Department of VETRAN Affairs, an additional or third dose is given to persons whose bodies haven't produced enough immunological response as a result of the first two shots. A booster dose, on the other hand, is for persons whose immune systems have been impaired or weakened over time.

INTRODUCTION:

            One of the vaccines that can protect against covid-19 is the Pfizer vaccine. According to studies, it is very effective among those aged 16 and up. It's a vaccination based on mRNA. This vaccine was developed by Pfizer Inc., one of the world's top biopharmaceutical firms, and BioNTech, a German biotechnology company. Comirnaty is the brand name for it.

DOSAGE:

            According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),The vaccination is given in two doses, with the second dosage occurring approximately 21 days following the first. However, it is possible that the second dose will not be given until 6 weeks after the first.

HOW PFIZER VACCINE WORK?

           The vaccination works by instilling in cells new molecules known as mRNA (messenger RNA). This molecule instructs cells to produce protein from the SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The body recognizes this protein and produces antibodies in response, which remain in the body as a defense against future virus attacks.

Learn more about how mRNA vaccine works.

WHO CAN HAVE PFIZER VACCINE?

         This vaccination will be available to the majority of people. Some people, however, may need to avoid it for their own safety.

        People who have had a severe or acute adverse reaction to any element in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, should not acquire the Pfizer vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

        An instantaneous allergic reaction, according to the CDC, is one that occurs within 4 hours of exposure and causes symptoms such as: hives, edoema, wheezing, or breathing problems

       People who have experienced allergic reactions to other vaccines should speak with a healthcare professional before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

           People should also speak with a doctor before getting the Pfizer vaccine if they have:

·         Other allergies

•          A fever
•          A bleeding disorder or take medications to thin the blood
•          A compromised immune system or take medication that affects the immune system
•          Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
•          Have already received another COVID-19 vaccine

EFFECTIVENESS OF VACCINE:

        "Effectiveness" refers to how well a vaccine works in real-life settings. This was true for patients of all ages, sexes, races, nationalities, and body weights, as well as those with underlying medical issues and those who had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2.

          According to Medical News Today, the findings of clinical trials are supported by a big research on the Pfizer vaccination involving roughly 1.2 million patients in Israel. It shows that two doses of the vaccination minimise symptomatic COVID-19 cases by 94 percent across all age categories after seven days. In addition, the immunisation decreases serious disease by 92 percent.

EFFECTIVENESS IN CASE OF NEW VARIANTS:

           New SARS-CoV-2 virus types have developed in several parts of the world. While this is alarming, it is to be expected because viruses evolve over time. The Pfizer vaccine is anticipated to remain effective against current variations..

SIDE EFFECTS:

             Some people may experience temporary side effects after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, which may last a few days. These include:

•          Pain and swelling around the injection site
•          Chills
•          Fever
•          A headache
•         Tiredness 

Usually, these side effects indicate that the vaccine is working and are signs that the immune system is responding to it.

Less commonly, people experience:

•          Muscle pain
•          Joint pain
•          Nausea
•          Swollen lymph nodes
•          Allergic reactions

Side effects are more common after the second dose than the first dose.

        If a person experiences side effects after vaccination, they can take steps to care for themselves. Cool compresses and exercising the arm may ease pain and swelling while staying cool and drinking fluids can help with a fever.

In rare cases, people can experience a severe allergic reaction up to 60 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs and symptoms include:

•          Breathing difficulties
•          Dizziness
•          Rapid heartbeat
•          Rash all over the body
•         Swelling of the face and throat
•         Weakness

Other rare side effects following vaccination can include myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart). These side effects are more likely following the second dose of the vaccine. If a person experiences any of the above symptoms call a local emergency department immediately.

                              DELTA DELIMMA. CORONA'S MOST DEADLY VARIANT.

WHAT IS DELTA VARAINT?

           The Delta variation has the ability to spread faster than any other corona strain. The variation features a spike protein mutation that makes it simpler for it to infect humans than other strains. That means that if they are exposed to it, they may become more contagious and spread it more quickly. Not only is the Delta version significantly more transmissible than its predecessors, but it also looks to be far more fatal in persons of all ages. COVID-19 has fewer severe repercussions in children, and they are less prone to spread it. Scientists are still unsure whether it causes more serious sickness than the prior variant. In any case, it is conceivable for children to acquire it..

 WHAT IS DELTA PLUS VARIANT?

         According to CBS News, the Delta Plus variety is a "sub variant" of the Delta version. It possesses a mutation that permits it to assault lung cells more effectively, potentially evading vaccinations. Delta Plus was first discovered in India and has now spread to the United States, the United Kingdom, and nearly a dozen other nations. The CDC and WHO have not classified it as a variation of concern.

OUTBREAK HISTROY:

         The Delta strain was first discovered in India in December 2020, resulting in widespread epidemics throughout the country. According to a CDC tracker, it quickly expanded and is already documented in 104 countries. Delta has become the main form of the coronavirus in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other nations as of early July. According to Public Health England, the Delta variation now accounts for more than 97 percent of new COVID-19 infections in the United Kingdom.

SYMPTOMS:

           When compared to the original virus, the DELTA variation has slightly different symptoms; you may not have loss of taste or smell. The DELTA version may result in problems such as Cough, shortness of breath, fever, body aches, congestion, and more are some of the symptoms you may experience.

WAYS OF ITS SPREAD:

          Indoors with infected people or breathing in their droplets or aerosols is still the most common mechanism for the virus to spread. The difference with DELTA is that the infected person will create more copies of the virus than others, making it easier to propagate.

VACCINE PROTECTION AGAINST DELTA:

        Scientists are investigating how the Delta variation can cause illnesses in persons who have been properly vaccinated. According to Public Health England, two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine proved to be about 88 percent effective against disease and 96 percent effective against hospitalisation in a preliminary analysis. The AstraZeneca vaccine, which is not approved for use in the United States, was roughly 60% effective in preventing illness and 93 percent effective in preventing hospitalisation.

       The people who have not been properly vaccinated against COVID-19 are the ones who are most vulnerable. Children and young people who have not been immunised may be at risk.

HOW TO PROTCET YOURSELF:

           According to WHO, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as

·         Physical distancing,

·         Wearing a mask,

·         Keeping rooms well ventilated,

·         Avoiding crowds,

·         Cleaning your hands, and

·         Coughing into a bent elbow or tissue.

·         Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!

            Vaccines protect you from diseases that are damaging to your health. The majority of vaccinations use dead or weakened cells to stimulate your immune system, but mRNA vaccines operate differently. Because they include mRNA, a molecule that instructs your cell, What is the best way to elicit an immunological response? It's crucial to understand mRNA and how it functions in order to comprehend how these vaccinations operate.

             Most cells in your body have a command center called nucleus which contains genetic material called DNA that give instructions for building and maintaining your body. Proteins are the building blocks of body when a new body protein needs to be build instructions are copied from your cell’s DNA and converted into a message called messenger RNA or mRNA. This mRNA travel out of the nucleus to a protein building machine in your cell called ribosome. The ribosome read the message from mRNA and builds the protein our body needs.

             MRNA vaccine takes advantage of this process to give u immunity to COVID-19. Each vaccine has special mRNA that provides instruction to your cell to build hormone piece of the virus called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the SARS-COV-02 corona virus that causes covid-19. Each piece of the mRNA from the vaccine is wrapped in protective coating. The vaccine is given as a shot in the upper arm. In the body, the mRNA particles enter your cells. Once inside the cell the mRNA travels to ribosome using the mRNA from the vaccine. The ribosome makes only a piece of the spike protein on the virus. After making the protein, your cell destroys mRNA from the vaccine.

            It’s important to know that the mRNA from the vaccine never enter the cell’s nucleus nor changes it’s DNA in any way. Your cell provides the spike protein on its surface. This allows your immune cells to detect the protein and recognize that it doesn’t belong there. As a result your immune cell starts making antibodies which serve as immune response to the virus in the future.

           If you get infected by the virus, the antibodies recognize and attach to the spike protein pieces on infected cell and spike proteins on the virus. This marks them for immediate destruction by other immune cells.

          Like all vaccines, the benefit of these mRNA vaccines is the people get protected from the virus without having to get sick with covid-19, most mRNA vaccine for covid-19 required to get a second shot. Sometimes after getting vaccine you get the symptoms like fever, its normal it means that the vaccine is working to make you immune of the virus. Vaccines protect you, your family, and community from disease that can be dangerous or even deadly.

      Sino pharm, a Chinese state-owned business, is working on two Covid-19 vaccines, which are inactivated vaccines that work similarly to Sinovac. On December 30, Sino pharm claimed that phase three studies of the vaccine revealed that it was 79 percent effective, which is lower than Pfizer and Moderna. According to intermediate results of its phase three study, the United Arab Emirates, which approved a Sino pharm vaccine earlier this month, the vaccination was 86 percent effective.

         According to a Reuters storey, a corporate representative declined to explain the disparity and stated that detailed results would be given later. However, the vaccine had already been distributed to roughly a million individuals in China under an emergency programme before the phase three study results were released.

        Professor Dale Fisher, of the National University of Singapore, said then that it was "unconventional" to ramp up a vaccine program without first going through last stage trials.

   COVID-19-HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?    

     COVID-19 follows person to person transmission through coughing and sneezing. Public transmission is a primary site for its transmission. Incubation period for COVID-19 is between one to 14 days. Virus that cause COVID-19 mainly spread through animals as it is a zoonotic disease, but now is spreading person to person.

       Mainly spread in people who are closely connected to respiratory drop produced by any infected person, through cough or sneeze. It may be possible a person get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has virus on them and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

      Virus remains suspended in air for short time but is viable and contagious on metal or plastic. Usually virus remain in air for 3 hours, on metals like copper for 4 hours, on cardboard for 24 hours, on utensils made of stainless steel for 2-3 days and on plastics for 3-4 days.

      SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific. Range from mild to severe. Aches & pain, sore throat, headaches, shortness of breath and fever are common symptoms while runny or sniffy nose, diarrhea and sneezing are very rare symptoms.

      DIAGNOSIS: This virus is most commonly diagnosed by symptoms; ultimately the conformation is done by PCR taking sample from infected secretions.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS?

The US health center recommends people should wash hand with soap and water with at least 20 seconds minimum. The best way to wash hand is:

·         Wash hand with water. Add soap and scrub soap thoroughly to all surface including back of hands, between fingers and under nails for 20 seconds.

·         Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with neat and clean cloth.

Wash hands specially before eating, after blowing your nose and after coughing and sneezing. If soap is not available use alcohol based sanitizer. Good hand sanitizer should contain ethanol 825 ml, hydrogen peroxide 40 ml, glycerol 50 ml, sterile water 100 ml = total volume 1000 ml. If you see someone who is visibly coughing and sneezing you can chose to keep a distance of 2m to 0.5m. It will keep you safe from large droplets (mostly cause disease).

 Other precautions that should be opted are:

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose with unwashed hands.

·         Avoid contact with people who are sick.

·         Personal protective equipment’s for corona virus like put a respirator or surgical mask. If respirator not available than wear mask N-95 before going to patient room. Mask N-95 provide high level of protection.

·         There is no proper treatment for COVID-19. Bio treatment depends on rate of symptoms.

·         Social distance should be maintained but many people misunderstood social distancing. Social distancing basically means avoiding close contact with others to prevent the spread of covid-19 and may include:

ü  Avoiding un essential trips in the community

ü  Limiting, postponing or cancelling gatherings

ü  Working from home, where possible

ü  Conducting meetings virtually

ü  Keeping kids away from group settings

ü  Avoiding visits to long term care homes and other care settings

And more importantly no vaccine can protect you from COVID-19. The best way is to take protective measures on daily basis.

 COVID-19 is a newly discovered virus that is spreading from person to person. Corona virus is a zoonotic virus that causes severe respiratory illnesses in humans. Illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to people are known as zoonotic diseases. Many corona viruses exist in animals, but they have not yet infected humans.

        COVID-19 is the newest strain to infect people. Some human-made viruses cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

        SARS-COV-2 is an enclosed, non-segmented, positive-sense RNA virus with a beta corona virus. Corona is divided into four genera: ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA, and DELTA. Alpha and beta viruses can infect mammals, whereas gamma and delta viruses primarily infect birds..

         Corona virus is a member of the coronaviridae family. The name comes from the Latin word "corona," which means "crown." It was discovered for the first time on December 31. COVID-19 (corona virus illness 2019) is communicated from an infected person to a healthy person through coughing or sneezing. After infection, symptoms develop 2 to 14 days later. Fever, shortness of breath, and cough may have developed in some people. Pneumonia and multi-organ failure are possible outcomes. The rate of mobility is roughly 2%. Its spread can be halted by using sanitary measures.

 Corona virus is a plus stranded RNA virus with a big envelope. The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) core of the virion is made up of the biggest genomic RNA of all RNA viruses in conjunction with the nucleocapsid (N) protein.

        The word corona comes from the Latin word "CORONA," which means "CROWN," and was initially used to describe its look as seen through electron microscopy. SPIKES are cup-shaped proteins that cover the body. Corona virus is a big spherical particle with surface projections measuring roughly 120 nm in diameter. In electron micrographs, the viral envelope appears as an unique pair of electron dense shells. A nucleocapsid, which is made up of numerous nucleocapsid proteins, is found inside the envelope. Inside the host cell, the nucleocapsid protects the virus.  

        The lipid with membrane, envelope, and spike protein make up the viral envelope. Structural protein, also known as attached protein, is a subtype of corona virus that has a shorter spike-like surface protein. It is found in members of the BETA CORONA VIRUS subgroup A. When expressed by the virus or alone, the viral surface protein can be detected in downstream compartments of the secretory pathway: M proteins are mostly found in the GOLGI APPRATUS. M protein can also interact with the genomic packing signal-carrying RNA. It's a three-transmembrane domain protein that's hypothesised to give the virion its form.

Corona virus genes are roughly 27 to 34 kilobases in length. Among RNA viruses, this gene has the highest size. 5' UTR, transcriptase spike envelope, membrane, nucleocapsid, and 3'UTR are all present in the genome. Transcriptase is a protein that helps non-structural proteins develop.

In 2002, the world was struck by a Corona virus outbreak. Civet cats have been shown to transmit the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-COV-2) virus to humans. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MARS-COV-12) was discovered to spread from camels to humans in 2012. SARS-COV has an 11 percent fatality rate in 17 countries, with the bulk of cases occurring in mainland China and Hong Kong.

          Mortality rates vary by age, with those under 24 being the least likely to die and those over 65 being the most likely to die. Since 2004, 55% of new cases have been reported. More than 2500 cases of SARS-COV have been identified in 21 countries, resulting in around 860 deaths, according to the WHO.

          The number of people diagnosed with minor symptoms is likely to be significantly lower. In 2014, only two cases were confirmed in the United States, both of which were males, and both patients came primarily from Saudi Arabia. It's still unclear how the virus made its way from camel to human. Outside of the hospital, it rarely spreads.