Future of us
Covid-19 Omicron Variant
By-Riya Patel
On November 24th, 2021 a new Covid variant was discovered. Over the past couple of months this new variant has spread like wildfire throughout the United States. Schools have begun to imply remote learning again and numerous events and places have been canceled and shut down. Globally the Covid-19 cases have increased drastically.
What is the Omicron Variant?
Omicron is a new variant that was recently discovered in the United States. It was first discovered in South Africa, before cases were reported in the United States. This new variant has a large number of mutations. Research also suggests an increased risk of reinfection. The Omicron variant is also known to be the most transmissible variant of all, it’s known to be four times more transmissible than the Delta variant. With a high risk of being reinfected with the virus many have started to wonder when the pandemic is going to come to an end.
Symptoms of this Variant?
Omicron is mainly known to have milder symptoms than the other strains and variants of Covid-19. Research suggests that it is known to mainly target the upper respiratory system. It's also known to have a less impact on your lungs than the other strains. Other symptoms include congestion, lower back pain, dry cough, nausea, headaches, sore throat, hair loss, fevers, and slight loss of smell and taste. Symptoms also tend to last as short as three days unlike the previous strains which would last several days.
Long term effects?
Since there remains a lot of unknown information about this variant because it's fairly new to the world, researchers claim the new variant could eventually lead to longer Covid. But some long term symptoms include irregular heartbeats, and a lot of fatigue.
Does Vaccination help?
The vaccine works by restoring your immune system to assemble antibodies as if you were already exposed to the virus. After you’ve received the vaccine, you develop more immunity to the disease. The CDC has informed us that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. They also encourage everyone over the age of five to get fully vaccinated in order to protect their body. Even though vaccines aren't 100% effective from preventing the infection it’s still safe. Being vaccinated also helps build your immunity and helps you when you are in close contact with a person with the virus. As well as everyone over the age of 16 to get the booster shot. Getting the vaccine is a safe and effective way of lowering your risk of getting Covid-19.
How to protect yourself?
Things you can do to protect yourself are continuing to wear a mask in public to stop the spread of the virus as well as protect yourself from it, stay a minimum of 6 feet away from others, and also get vaccinated. Other things include washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. If you feel sick, quarantine yourself away from others and get tested. With Covid-19 cases spreading like wildfire it’s important to get tested regularly.
Many have started to wonder when this pandemic is going to come to an end. Since all pandemic eventually do end. Vaccines offer a strong protection from serious illness, and the people who survive the virus have protection against forms of it. We’re never going to be able to eliminate the world of Covid-19, but like all pandemics it will eventually come to an end.
For more information on Omicron, visit CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html