New Covid Variant: Omicron
As I’m sure many of you are aware of, there is a new COVID-19 variant known as Omicron. This variant is quickly spreading throughout South Africa, infecting both previously infected COVID-19 patients as well as vaccinated individuals (Callaway, 2021). It has been classified by the World Health Organization as a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (Classification of Omicron, 2021). It has been determined a variant of a concern (VOC) due to it’s associated with one or more of the following criteria:
“Increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology; OR
Increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation; OR
Decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics”
(Classification of Omicron, 2021)
There is still much to be learned about this new variant that was reported on November 24th, 2021. What we do know is that this variant contains some concerning mutations, which may indicate an increased risk for reinfection (Classification of Omicron, 2021). The omicron variant contains over thirty changes to the original Sars-CoV-19 spike protein (Callaway, 2021). These mutations may affect the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. However, it is still too early to make concrete determinations.
Fortunately, the current COVID-19 PCR tests seem to be effective in detecting this variant (Classification of Omicron, 2021).
So what ought we to do?
Continue wearing a well fitted mask in public and social settings
Maintain good hand washing hygiene
Limit interacts with individuals outside your household
Maintain social distancing
Stay well informed about variant updates
It may be difficult for some individuals to follow coronavirus precautions due to their economic status, living situation, or work/academic environment. With this in mind, utilizing free local COVID-19 testing centers may be imperative in stopping the spread.
In addition, trying to keep a positive mindset while navigating these taxing global challenges is important. A positive attitude boosts the immune system, enabling your body to fight more efficiently against viruses (A Positive Boost, 2014). We know that our decisions to wear masks, social distance, and wash our hands thoroughly can have a huge impact on the spread of COVID-19. We can and will get through this.
Classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern. (2021, November 26). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
Callaway, E. (2021, November 27). Heavily mutated Omicron variant puts scientists on alert. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03552-w/?error=cookies_not_supported&code=0c8cf1f3-a3b1-4b5b-b03e-7a67cdf627f6
First of all, I love the format you used for your blog post! I was reading an article about this new variant, and it stated that new variants will keep forming, it is just a matter of how fast we detect it and how open communication concerning research is. I sometimes can't help but feel discouraged every time we have a new increase in covid cases, or a new variant appears, because it feels like this is going to be our new normal. But I like that you mentioned the importance of keeping positive in these times. I also read that Moderna is testing an Omicron specific booster as well and hopefully this will help stop this variant from doing serious damage worldwide.
ReplyDeleteHoward, J. (2021, November 27). The new omicron variant is a pandemic gut check. CNN. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/27/health/new-covid-variant-omicron-b11529-wellness/index.html.